Summer 2006
The Loving Father
Pinecrest graduate
Pastor Julie A. Grove

The 15th chapter of Luke portrays a powerfully beautiful description of our Lord’s character and His pursuing love for all people. The message remains the same today. The story begins with the statement, “And He said, a certain man had two sons.”

Although the younger son’s request to receive his part of the inheritance was not unlawful, it was an insensitive and uncaring gesture toward his father’s generous and loving heart. It was evident by his calloused statement, “Give me” that his focus was only on the benefits due him as a son. This son failed to understand that there are no benefits outside the household. He did not understand the depth of his father’s love.

He failed to understand the true meaning of the relationship he had with his father - the protection, position, and privilege that came from being a member of his father’s house. This young son chose the wealth, but he missed the true richness of belonging to such a loving and giving household. The good news in this wonderful story is that the son “came to himself.”

What a magnificent statement made by Jesus to those who reject or left their father’s care, and the wonderful realization that they are accepted and lavished with the love and care of the Heavenly Father. The fact that regardless of the past, the poverty, the want, the things they had joined themselves to, the heart of the Father remains one of faithful, committed love; arms ever extended to receive and restore these to His household.

Passion in the heart and voice of Jesus was very evident as His gaze met the eyes of each listener. He knew their displaced thoughts and feelings, and felt their shame and unworthiness. Jesus’ words were filled with tenderness. He longed, and still longs for people to understand their acceptance into the Household of Heaven.

The younger son, who lived in willful independence of the father; a place of carelessness and sin, would find himself in a new place … a place of want, hunger and weakness. Having his father’s name was not enough to sustain, uplift, encourage and feed him. It required being IN the household and living under the umbrella of the father’s love and care.

“And when he came to himself…” is such a definitive statement on so many levels. First, realizing in his heart, “this is not who I am,” he said, “I will arise.” This is the same son who is faint and weary, lacking the strength to go on, yet, there is something in him that gives him strength to rise up and go home.

In the midst of our sin and inability to arise, a simple cry of repentance opens the benefits of the Household. He suddenly had strength to return, the wisdom to know where he truly belonged, and the understanding of a father who would accept him rather than cast him out. His heart changed from an attitude of “give me” to a cry of “make me.” He remembered his father’s gentle care and understood for the first time not only the benefits of the household but the unconditional love of his father.

After what must have felt like an eternity, the day arrived. The father, with an unchanged love for his son, looked toward the gates once again and from a distance recognized his broken, prodigal son. Without hesitation or regard for his position, he began to run. Fathers do not run, especially after rebellious, heartless sons; but this father did. He must get there before those in the city gates declare him an outcast.

The son, rehearsing his plea, knowing that even the servants were cared for by his father, sees his daddy running. “My father is running!” Then, before he can finish his next thought, the younger son feels the strong embrace of his father; the kiss on his neck and the tears of love and forgiveness. Before he can finish his plea, his father calls the servants and begins the process of restoration. There was no, “I told you so” or “What were you thinking” or “Do you know how much this cost me?” There was only celebration. This is one of the most beautiful displays of mercy and grace in Scripture.

We now shift our attention to the third point of reference, the elder brother. His benefit as the oldest son was a double portion of inheritance and the responsibility to emulate the father in the household. He was to care for the details of the household just as the father would care. We find this son in the field working, being dutiful. Suddenly he hears music, laughter and celebration. It was possibly a sound that had not been heard since his younger brother had left. He wipes the sweat from his brow as he curiously walks toward the house. Stopping a servant, he inquires as to the celebration taking place.

Rage replaced curiosity as the elder son heard the excited servant speak of the “lost” son that was “received” with such fanfare by the father. His steps cease in utter disbelief that this “outcast” would be embraced. His anger revealed his lack of “father heart and character.” His response unveils that his motive was duty, not relationship. It reveals his disregard for his father’s heart and his lack of compassion for his younger brother. Pride shows its ugly head as the elder son relates his perfect record and his “right” as a son to have the things that were now being given to an “undeserving” son. He further reveals his heart by disassociating himself from his brother, replying to his father, “This, thy son.”

The amazing eloquence of Jesus in this story to reveal the true nature of the scribes and Pharisees, and yet include them in His call to relationship with the Father is such a powerful lesson to the church today. How often do we as Christians disqualify the “lost” in our arrogance of spirituality? Do we exemplify the character of the household or do we stand in judgment and criticism of the “younger brother.”

I especially love the response of the father toward the elder brother. First, he reassures his son of his placement in the household and attempts to restore relationship with his brother by saying, “This, your brother.” He then makes a statement to his elder son that is one of the most beautiful and picturesque statements in the Bible, “All that I have is yours.”

This parable speaks as loudly today as it did when Jesus spoke it to the publicans, the sinners, the Pharisees and the scribes. I find myself gleaning from each point of reference at various times and in different situations. When I feel as an outcast or have joined myself with that which is foreign, I hear the gentle voice of Father calling me home. When my heart is critical and cold, or when I want to judge and disqualify the unlovable, I see Father and the love in His eyes, not only for me, but for the entire world, and this brings me humbly to my knees. The greatest point of reference is the Loving Father.

“He, who has ears to hear, let him hear.”