Our Father is a teacher; but first He is a storyteller. A very patient artist indeed, willing to spend millennia, perhaps eons as we count them, unfolding His plots and themes, developing His cast of characters, adorning His tapestry with motif and symbol. His story is alive, eternally present. The drama is real and all creation is caught up in the march towards its glorious end. 

Jesus was also a storyteller. When He encountered hearts hardened to instruction, He often spoke in parables. Doubters threw their hands up in frustration; but those in tune with the Story passed down through the prophets felt their hearts thrill. Foreshadowing was moving quickly toward climax. The Good Shepherd was among them, gathering His sheep. The Vineyard Owner had come to gather His harvest. The merciful Father was searching for his prodigal children. The King’s Son was issuing invitations to His own wedding feast, and they were invited! This Messenger was the Story’s center.

Crowds gathered around Him again, and once more, according to His custom, He sat down to teach them.   –  Mark 10:1

Our Father is a teacher. The Source of Wisdom delights to instruct those who will listen. His teaching is a gift of revelation and intimacy. When YHWH called Israel apart for Himself, He entrusted them with the Law. The Law was a window into His heart. It was a tutor, educating a nation to stand as a witness to the coming Kingdom.

How did the Lord teach Israel to worship? By loving Him alone. By honoring His Name. By resting on the Sabbath and ensuring their servants and animals would rest as well. By keeping faith with their spouses and speaking truthfully to one another. By guarding their inmost hearts and rejecting all covetous thoughts. God called Israel to walk with Him with by imitating His character. What a striking contrast to the demonic gods of other nations who reveled in drunkenness, prostitution and child-sacrifice!