Perspectives

Luke 15:20-24… 20) So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21) “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. 22) “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23) Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate 24) For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So, they began to celebrate. (NIV)

There is a little story found in the Bible in the gospel of Luke 15:11-32. It is a moving story told by Jesus of a father and his two sons. There can be little doubt that what Jesus had in mind was to reveal to us what God the Heavenly Father is like. Most preachers however, focus in on the two boys, especially the one who left home. But it is the father we want to talk about.

Notice that the father’s attitude toward his boy never changed. That young man had really grieved his father’s heart. His father must have died a thousand deaths while his son was away celebrating-partying. I do not think we can say that his dad was a fool. I am sure he had a good idea what his son was doing in the city. There he was, spending his father’s money, dragging his good name in the dirt.

But just to make matters worse, his frightened father no doubt spent many a sleepless night, his heart crushed with sorrow. But despite of all the embarrassment, all the heart aches, all the suffering, not to mention the financial loss the father suffered, his dad’s love never gave up. No never! Instead there was forgiveness, there was compassion, there was love, and there was concern. Never did he say that he did not care what his son had done, or for that matter if he ever came home again. Despite all the boy had done to his father, he never disowned him. The day came when that broken, scruffy, tattered, battered boy hobbled and stumbled up the road toward home, there he met his father, who was ready to forgive, who had never given up hope that his son would one day come home again.

Many fathers may not understand how important a role they play in their children’s life, especially when children are very young. From the day, they are born both father and mother mold and shape the character that fashions the very personalities of a child. We have all heard the saying, “Like father like son”.

The early years in a child’s life can be very painful. If we create a home environment where our children may think that they are not wanted. The result will be that they will have deep doubts, not knowing if they are really loved, they search for someone who can really be trusted, someone who is willing to take the time to understand their struggles. Someone who is willing to see the world as they see it.

Do you think children form a mental picture of God the heavenly Father from their childhood impressions of their rather frail and at times unreliable human fathers? Much too often we think of God in Heaven as having the same weaknesses as our very unpredictable human fathers have. This is what set the forgiveness of God our Father through His Son Jesus Christ on a plane far above that of us human beings. Not only has He forgiven us our transgressions, He forgets them.

Jesus alone knows the true nature of God’s character. He alone comprehended the beauty, integrity, and wonder of God’s personality. Christ went out of His way to explain to us what God was like. Now if we are to understand fully God’s love and His grace, it is very important that we pay careful attention to what Jesus said about Him. And do not forget to confess that we have sinned, and we need His forgiveness. By asking Christ to come into our heart… To God Be the Glory.

Would you pray this prayer with me … “Lord Jesus, come into my heart? Forgive my sins. I want my life to change. My thoughts and my attitude need to change. I do not have the peace in my heart that I yearn for. I really want that peace, joy and happiness that will fulfill my heart’s desire. Please let the Holy Spirit help me be the kind of Christian that will honour Your Name.” Amen.