One of the saddest things I have read in recent times is the mournful complaint of the fugitive Raoul Moat just before his life tragically ended: "I have no dad; no-one cares about me."
It is not my purpose to debate the moral issues surrounding this episode. I simply want to point out that a life of violence and crime is often the fruit of fatherlessness. In Moat's case, he did not know his father and had a turbulent relationship with his mother. Moat was clearly a child-man, full-grown in body but stunted and immature emotionally. Just before he died he spoke from the heart and highlighted the root cause of all his woes: he had no father.
Fathers are essential. Children of both sexes require affirmation of identity, gender and otherwise, from their father. Fatherhood has been much maligned and undermined in recent years. But the death of Raoul Moat - and his pathetic wasted life trying to prove himself a man in inappropriate ways - underscores the need for authentic fathering in our nation.
The Bible tells us in Isaiah 51 to look to Abraham, our father. We are told in Psalm 68:5 that God is a Father to the fatherless. Remember that Jesus came to show us the Father and used the name "Abba" to speak to Him. This means "Daddy!" No matter who you are today, you need not experience the bitter pain of fatherlessness one minute longer. God Himself will be a Father to you.
God is the Father of our nation. Call to Him today!
