2009-06-22 - The Prodigal Son's Father

Happy Fathers Day. In honor of Fathers Day, we will be taking a break from 'The Four-Letter Word We Should Use" series to talk about the importance of Earthly fathers and our Heavenly one. Here you will find a collection of dads from the New Testament, who put their children's needs ahead of their own.

Luke 15:11-32

"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." (Luke 15:20)

A man had two sons. One day, the youngest went against the norm and asked for his inheritance early. The father obliged, and three days after receiving his inheritance, the youngest left home to find fun and adventures. Each day that his son was gone, the father spent a lot of time looking at the road. Hoping and praying he would return. One day, his prayer was answered, and the dad saw a glimpse of his boy down the road. He ran to meet him, and hugged and kissed him. The boy started to tell his father how he was not worthy to be his son. The dad stopped him in mid-sentence. He always was and is his son. His return home proved that.

A Father

Matthew 17:14-20

When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him. "Lord, have mercy on my son," he said. "He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water."(Matthew 17:14-15)

Maybe the job was too big for the disciples. A father asked them to heal his boy, but they failed to. The son had a lot attacking him; seizures caused him to fall into water or fire. This dad went to Jesus and asked Him to heal his son. After he spoke the request, the dad saw the human side of Jesus. The disciples' faithlessness set Him off a little, but Jesus asked for the son, rebuked the demons, and healed the child at that moment. The father overheard the disciples asking Jesus why they couldn't denounce the demons.

He said it was because of their lack of faith. There must be something to this faith business, as his son and he could attest to. The father was just glad Jesus was there to heal his son. Now he no longer suffers, and can lead a normal life.

Lord, I don't want to be like others who aren't exactly sure that You will show up. I believe You can set things right. I have faith. Let my faith be enough for You to work in my life. Thank You for always being there. I celebrate Father's Day with You today. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Lisa

lisa@cfdevotionals.org
http://www.cfdevotionals.org
http://www.postapraise.com