Being Fathered by GodSample

The Prodigal Father

A huge part of Christ’s mission was to set the record straight about the Father’s heart. Most of the teachings and parables of Jesus included significant “intel” about the Father. After all, you can’t talk about the kingdom and not talk about the Father heart of God.

Almost every parable Jesus tells is an invitation to see the Father. For example, take the parable known as “The Prodigal Son.” Maybe it should be retitled. The word prodigal means “spending resources freely and recklessly; being wasteful . . . extravagant . . . having or giving something in a lavish way.”

Who’s the one being prodigal here?

When [the son] was still a long way off, his father saw him. His heart pounding, he ran out, embraced him, and kissed him. The son started his speech…

Is this story really about the son who ran away? What if Jesus was sharing the story to spotlight the Father? And what if, in telling it, Jesus was forecasting what he himself would one day do for Peter, reinstating the one who denied him three times (John 21:15-19)?

The Father’s extravagant, lavish—dare we say reckless—and redeeming love is ready to cure our greatest ache. The Father’s reaction was so over the top that the older son, who had never gone astray, responded, “Really? Really, Dad? You are going to do that for this wasteful, betraying, dishonoring son of yours?” Simply put, the Father answered, “Yes, yes, and yes!”

And the Father doesn’t stop with just his sons (and daughters). No! All creation gets in on the deal of his love and care.

Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are you not worth much more than they? Matthew 6:26

It is more than comforting. It is necessary to know that Someone is watching out for us, caring for us, making the wrongs in our life right, and giving good and meaningful gifts.

If your little boy asks for a serving of fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? If your little girl asks for an egg, do you trick her with a spider? As bad as you are, you wouldn’t think of such a thing—you’re at least decent to your own children. And don’t you think the Father who conceived you in love will give the Holy Spirit when you ask him? Luke 11:11–13 MSG

What kind of gifts from the Father are you getting?

Can’t you just hear Jesus telling how great his Dad is?

In the passage above, it is still the “preseason” before the gift of the Holy Spirit was fully delivered on the day of Pentecost. Now that we have the Holy Spirit, the gifts are to continue way beyond a single moment. They are to flow and be continually dropped off on the doorsteps of our heart. Beloved Sons with eyes to see and ears to hear know of what I write. The Father deeply wants his gifts to get through to us so we can see and hear and experience that he is good and has good in store for us as he grows us into men.

In your time alone with God:

Have you understood that much of Christ’s mission was to set the record straight about the Father’s heart and therefore His love?

Why is it important to know “Someone” is watching out for you?

What are a couple of recent gifts the Father has given you?... Showing his love and affection just to you, his Beloved?