Between Bordersಮಾದರಿ

Our Father Loves His Children

In the movie BETWEEN BORDERS, when we first meet Ivan, he wants little to do with the growing faith of his wife and daughters. In fact, he only goes to church to protect them on their walk to and from. But one of the pastor’s sermons causes Ivan to sit up and listen carefully from his normal seat in the hallway outside of the sanctuary.

In sharing the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:8-31), the pastor describes three things the father in the story gives to his wandering son when the prodigal returns home:

1. A robe, signifying honor
2. A ring, signifying authority
3. Sandals, signifying membership in the family

The pastor adds, “That’s what God wants to give us. This story places emphasis on the Father, who wants nothing more than to be with us.”

Think about that for a minute. We have a “Father who wants nothing more than to be with us!” For some of us, that’s nearly unfathomable; we grew up in homes without a father or with a father who wanted to do as little as possible with us.

But for all of us, this is God’s incredible gift—accessible because of Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice on the Cross. Yet even when we come to faith, it’s up to us to grow our relationship with God.

Has your relationship with God become closer over the time you’ve been trusting in Him? Do you see Him as the Father who desires your whole heart? Have you granted Him that desire yet? If not yet, make today’s prayer a milestone on your timeline. He’s waiting just for you.

Pray to thank God for His unconditional love for you and for others. Ask Him to reveal ways you can assist both your neighbors and foreigners. Make a plan to follow through on what you learn from His word.