The Prodigal Son’s Father
Luke 15.11-32
In this chapter we are very familiar with the prodigal son and his desires for the riotous living. He too what was his and left home to do what he needed to do. This lesson is not so much on the son that left and the desires that he had in his heart, nor is it of the son that stayed home and was put out because of the celebration that the father put on for the returning of his brother. I would like to briefly show some things about the father on this Father’s day that will be a great help to all the dads that may read this, and to all the Christians on their view of God.
The Father
The first thing that I see is that the father showed love.
Now we are not told if the father pleaded with the son, nor are told that if they had a falling out of sorts. What we are told is that the father showed his love and allowed the son to go and do what he wanted. There was safety, security, and love at home, but the son wanted to leave.
Is this not true for our Heavenly Father? Our Lord is love, He is the definition of love, yet we as a people decide that we do not want anything to do with Him – we just want what is ours and go on our merry way.
The second thing that I see here is the father’s desire to see us.
Notice in verse Luke 15:20 “…But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him…” Now in this day they did not have binoculars so with that being said we can say that he father was concentrated on the horizon for the return of his son. Not know what direction he would be coming from, but anticipated his return.
Do we believe that God is looking for us? I have to say in the loudest voice I can – YES! 2 Peter 3:9 “…but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish…” There are people out there that believe that God is torturing us and allowing us to go through pain and agony for His pleasure. This is the farthest from the truth.
The third thing that I see is the father’s forgiveness.
Notice in verse Luke 15:20 again “…and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.” This father had forgiveness in his heart for the child. He did not show that he was bitter, nor did he show that he was resentful because he did not stay around to help around the house. His thought was that he got his son back and that is all that matters.
God – is a forgiving God. If He were not he would not given His Son to die for us. Oh the pages of our bibles show the love that God has for each and everyone that has ever walked on this earth – starting with Adam and Eve when they sinned in the garden. For if we look at 2 Peter 1:3 “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:”
Fathers on this Father’s Day 2011 – I would like to challenge each and everyone to take an inventory of their roles as fathers. As I write this I find myself lacking in so many areas. May we love our children, we do not need to suppress them, but show them the love of God. May we look for our children – not knowing where they my coming from, but anticipating their arrival to where we are at. Finally to unconditionally forgive – as the Heavenly Father as forgiven you.
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