Gospel

A Father's Love

by Rev. John Harrison
12/10/17
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In first message of this trilogy, “The Prodigal”, we see a son who had wasted his inheritance on immoral living. When he lost all that he had, he comes to his senses and returns to the father. He shows a repented heart and decides to ask his father to make him a hired servant. Now we will look at A Father's Love, which is ready to forgive and restore his son to his inheritance.

A Father's Love seeks the lost, even when their heart is so far from him. In the verses, prior to this parable, Jesus gives two other illustrations. He speaks of how if a man had lost one sheep, he will leave the 99 to seek the one lost sheep. He also spoke of a woman, who would seek a missing coin until she finds it. In both cases, they rejoice when the find it. In this parable, of The Prodigal, we see a father who sees his son coming from a far off. He longed for his son's return, so he would daily look out the window, hoping that today may be the day. That is such a great picture of God. Even though our hearts, are far from God, he looks forward to the day that we return to him. Just as this father had compassion for his son, God has compassion for us. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

A Father's Love is unconditional. The son had wasted everything that he had. He had lived an immoral life. He had originally wanted his father's blessings, but his heart was so far from him. However, the father never stopped loving him. He had compassion and was ready to forgive. He loved his son so much, he even restored him as a son and not just a servant. That is a picture of God. No matter what we have done, he loves us. He longs for our return. He is ready to forgive. He desires to restore us to son-ship.

A Father's Love is ready to lay down his life for you. There were different laws in the old testament that allowed stoning as a death penalty. They included working on the sabbeth, Murder, Homosexuality, sorcery (any form of fortune telling), kidnapping (including adults) and selling them, blaspheming God, lying with a beast, idolatry, adultery and a rebellious son. So according to the Mosaic law, the Prodigal, should have been stones to death because he was rebellious. He had brought disgrace to his father. That did not stop the father. He still goes out to meet him, even though there may be a crowd ready to throw stones at the son. He loved his son so much, that he was willing to die for him, if he had to. He goes out to meet his son, even in the midst of a crowd throwing stones. God is just like that. He loves us so much, he died for us. He paid our death sentence, when he was crucified on a cross. Come home to the father. He loves you. You were worth dying for and he did just that.

A Father's Love throws a great celebration at his son's return. When the son returned home, the father orders a great feast of celebration. It is a time of rejoicing. When a sinner returns to God, all of heaven rejoices. The angels rejoice, those who died before us and went to heaven, rejoice. Can you picture your love ones, that are in heaven, rejoicing when you repent and turn to God. I can see it. Your heavenly Father is longing for your return. He has a party planned, just for you.

A Father's Love restores all that is lost. The father ordered the servants to put the best robe on his son. The old cloths were not good enough for a son. His clothes must have stunk, after eating from a pigs pin. The father demands that his hired servants give him the best robe, a royal robe. When we return to God, he gives us clean clothing. He clothes us with his righteousness. He no longer sees our sin, he sees his righteousness, we are now royal. It is not what we have done or are, it is because of what he has done and is. We are holy, because he makes us holy. We have been restored as his son and daughter.

A Father's Love restores our authority. The ring was a sign of wealth, position, honor and authority. When Joseph was promoted as second to Pharaohs ring was placed on him. That ring meant he had authority that was given to him by Pharaoh. It meant he was wealthy, it meant he held a position and was to be honored by those around him. When a sinner comes home, God restores his authority. He is now wealthy. He inherits everything that God has for him. He has authority of sickness, poverty, sin, etc. You are forgiven and placed in authority over everything in your live.

A Father's Love, puts shoes on your feet. The prodigal's feet were dirty, as a result of his old lifestyle. He could not even afford a pair of shoes. Here we see the father giving him new shoes. The shoes represent two things. First of all, it speaks about our footsteps being pure. We have been given shoes to help us live a godly life. We are set free, from the bondage of sin. No longer do we need to be bound by drugs, alcohol, sexual immorality, fear, etc. We are free to live for God. Secondly it has to do with sharing the gospel. “How beautiful are the feet of them, that bring good tidings”. You now can share with others, all that God has done for you. Reach out to others, and let them know that they too can be set free. Tell them, God loves them and is longing for their return.

If you will like to experience A Father's Love, pray this prayer. Father I have sinned against you. I have done my own thing, and have not made you the Lord of my life. I am sorry, please forgive me. I choose to come home today. Come into my life and please restore me as a son or daughter of yours. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.