Morning Devotionals

by Don Emmitte

 

February 22nd, 2008

 

“The Faithful Father”

Jesus said, "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." The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' 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. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.” (Luke 15:21-24 NIV).

Humanity is big, diverse and often bickering – just like many large families. But God is eternally patient and faithful and continually strives to bring any of us who fall away back into the fold. That's a great part of the message of the parable in our reading today. However, the story is as much about the father as it is about the lost son. Each day he anxiously looks down the road for the return of his wayward son. Yes, the son has sinned. He wasted his inheritance. But when he returns the father is delighted and throws a party with the best food and clothes for his son.

You may also remember that the other son, the one who has been faithful to the father and worked hard, is also part of this tale. He is resentful that the father is being so forgiving and loving to the prodigal son. He wonders why he never got a fatted calf for a feast or a big party for him and his friends. The father reminds him that all he has is for him, too. It underscores the truth that God is extravagant and generous. He is merciful and caring. Jesus, in his many teachings, continually paints a picture of a God who is a loving father. It’s not about rules, regulations and trying to impress God. The Father already loves us. Jesus keeps giving the message that he came to show us the Father and to communicate this message of love and the model of a loving family.

The impact of this message lives on. The inspirational writing from both 1 John 2:29 and Galatians 4:4-7 tell us that if we love like God loves we are his children. The very Spirit of God inside each and everyone one of us cries out to our heavenly Father. The Way of Christ is apparent in the Divine DNA we see in creation. The basic tenets of Christianity are all positive things. Love, mercy, forgiveness, compassion, service, humility, gratitude and kindness are attributes of Christ-followers. Not judgment, condemnation, arrogance, legalism, pride and self-righteousness.

Perhaps the ultimate family example is the relationship of the Trinity. The Christian belief in a three-person Godhead – individual yet unified – is a mysterious concept. But the reverence and affirmation that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit show to each other is an example of the most holy and wholesome relationship. Family time is precious time. We need to be good to one another. We are all God’s children.