THE WONDERFUL FATHER
This portion of scripture has often been referred to as the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Jesus told this story to teach lessons about repentance and forgiveness. He taught of the foolish sin of the son and the faithful forgiveness of the father. I want to focus on the father in the devotions we share this week and call it the Parable of the Wonderful Father.
Jesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them." Luke 15:11-12
The first thing the father did was to grant the request of the son. How many parents would read this and scream, "Don't do it! It is the wrong thing to do"? Most of us, right? But, we must remember that this father is representative of the all-knowing and wise heavenly Father. He knows what He is doing. God knows that the lessons which hurt are the ones we remember the most. Now don't get me wrong. I am not saying that God inflicts our pain. We are the ones making our choices. God simply finds a way to make us wiser through the outcome.
. . . but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4
God allows us to make our own choices. He nurtures us, protects us and provides the tools we need to make right choices. It is up to us to follow through. I must do the same with my kids. It is my responsibility to teach them everything I can about life and choices, then I must trust them. I am only doing it with two kids, God has nurtured countless lives and watched them make good and bad decisions. We will see in the lessons of this portion of scripture, He is always there, holding us up, being The Wonderful Father.