Mary Magdalene had the rare privilege of being the first person to see the risen Lord. As Jesus called her by name and she could recognize Him, she was ecstatic and about to hold on to Him. Jesus’ response is of particular importance to us: “Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’ ” John 20:17 NKJV. Right from before He went to the cross, Jesus taught His disciples to know that a new dynamic relationship had been introduced between God and those who believe in Him. He taught them to pray to “our Father in Heaven.” Here, after His resurrection, He told Mary that He needed to ascend to His Father who had now become Mary’s Father.

Believers are not just relating with Almighty God (and He is that), but we are dealing first and foremost with a Father…He has all needs covered.

Believers are not just relating with Almighty God (and He is that), but we are dealing first and foremost with a Father. We have been brought into the family of God. Just as members of a household are free to approach the father of the house, even so are all believers free to approach our Heavenly Father with all our needs. Unlike the earthly father, though, the Heavenly Father is unlimited and inexhaustible! Ephesians 3:20 says that God can do exceedingly abundantly above what we ask or think. His power in us makes all things superfluous. Whenever you approach God, see Him as your Father and as the possessor of the heaven and earth. He has all needs covered.