A Father's Heart.

Exhortation:

Luke 15:11-24

New International Version (NIV)

 ¹¹ Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. ¹² The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.

   ¹³ “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. ¹⁴ After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. ¹⁵ So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. ¹⁶ He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

   ¹⁷ “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! ¹⁸ I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. ¹⁹ I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ ²⁰ So he got up and went to his father.

   “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.

   ²¹ “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

   ²² “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. ²³ Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. ²⁴ For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

Fathers. What do we owe to them ? Everything. And up on his shoulder is where I love to be.

 Surnames ? Where do we get our surnames ? And what is the awaited event every month of June ? The root of all your answers is our fathers.

 A father is a male parent based on a dictionary. Also, a father is a role model who gives the gifts of abundance, guidance and wisdom while learning to stretch his ability to love beyond what he knew was possible.

 We often describe our fathers a lot. Even in school where sometimes we have that as a homework, project or activity. But according to the story, what is a Father truly like ?

1. A father is giving. (v. 12)

•  As the story said, the father gave the son’s share without saying any word. Fathers are great providers. He provides food for the family, tuition fee for the kids and almost everything. In short, he is the breadwinner of  the family. And the family depends on him.
• God is our great provider. Israelites went on a journey to the Promised Land with everything they asked from the Lord. Look at our lives. We are blessed enough to thank Him. The Lord says, “Ask and it shall be given unto you.” (Mt. 7:7). All we have to do is to ask and He shall provide all our needs according to his riches and glory (Phil. 4:19). What more could you ask for ? All we have to do is to seek the Lord. PRAY. Be close to Him and He will draw nearer to you.

   2. A father is compassionate. (v.20)

• Fathers are full of compassion. As much as possible they won’t let anything happen to their children. A father doesn’t want anything to hurt his children. If there is any chance pain could be transferred to them. Just like the father was moved with compassion that he welcomed his son back with open arms, a father would do anything for his child.
• God is a compassionate God. Compassion is pity with action. You could pity someone but being compassionate is doing something for that situation. Just like God made way for the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt, he would never let anything happen to us. If there is something we don’t understand its because God is sharpening us, for what father doesn’t discipline his child ? (Heb.12:7) He also told us to call to Him and cast his worries upon Him (Mt. 11:28). For a psalm said, “As a father has compassion on his children, the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.” (Ps. 103:13). Just believe and fear the Lord.

  3. A father is forgiving. (vv. 21-22)

• A father is forgiving. He understands. No explanations just pure forgiveness. Just be honest to whatever you did. He will forgive you no matter what. A father may be hard as stone because of he is strict and brave but his heart is as soft as a cotton if his child comes up to him with a sorry pure of love.
• God is a god of forgiveness. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us (1 Jn. 1:9). The bad news is we are all going to hell but the good news ? God is forgiving,all we have to do is to accept the salvation He offers. The best news ? He will remember our sins no more ! (Heb. 10:17)  

  4. A father is loving. (vv.23-24)

• Fathers love their children more than their lives. They would do everything for them. When our fathers love us, they mean they’re giving their lives to us. So, they deserve our love too. They deserve our attention and our thanksgiving. Learn to appreciate your dad. Just like the father celebrated his son’s comeback, our fathers celebrate our everyday lives. Obey them, it’s not the least but it is a commandment with a promise. (Eph. 6:1-3)
• God is not just a loving god but God is love (1 Jn. 4:16). Of course, He can’t give, be compassionate and forgive without love. Love sums it all. And He loves us so much that He gave his only begotten that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life (Jn. 3:16) Just love Him. Loving our father is a sign of loving. If we love Him, we will obey His commandments (Jn. 14:15). Just accept Him as our personal saviour. And all will fall into place. Blessings and everything. Because when we love Him back, the heavens are celebrating (Lk. 15:7).

CONCLUSION:

“But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love.” ~ Nehemiah 9:17.

 Made with His wisdom and strength. May you find time reading this. To God be the glory !
 God bless us all ! :)