What We Learn of the Father

Luke 15 tells the parable of two sons and their father. We can identify all too well with the sons: the outright, selfish rebellion that crops up in our own lives, as well as the roots of bitterness and anger that we allow to grow in our hearts. Today, however, I would like to focus on what we see of the father, because through him, we see our own heavenly father.

He allowed his children the freedom to choose

And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. ~ Luke 15:12

He took good care of his people

“But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! ~ Luke 15:17

He watched and waited for the lost son to come home

And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him….  ~ Luke 15:20

He welcomes us and holds us when we return.

And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.  ~ Luke 15:20

He exchanges our rags with robes

But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet.’  ~ Luke 15:22

He feeds us

And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. ~ Luke 15:23

He rejoices when the lost are found

For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate. ~ Luke 15:24

He wants us to see as he does

But he [the other brother] was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him…. “It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.” ~ Luke 15:28,32

He shared with both sons, even though they didn’t see it

And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.  ~ Luke 15:31

May we each learn to better see our Father.

Image by Diana Parkhouse from Pixabay