The Father’s Heart
13th JUNE 2024
“So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. “But the father told his servants, ‘Quick! Bring out the bestrobe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.” [Luke 15:20, 22 CSB]
Did you know there is a heart that constantly looks forward to the return of its lost child? The same heart bares no grudge nor holds its child in contempt after all the child’s mistakes. A heart that symbolises love itself, it is the Father’s heart. The heart that is patient in our wrong doings or decisions and pardons our faults time and again.
We have read the story of the prodigal son and His return after realising it is better to return home as a servant than to feed with pigs. He had an awakening and the decision of the son gives us an idea of the knowledge he had about the heart of his Father. He said, “I’ll get up, go to my father, and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired workers.”’” Luke 15:18–19.
As children of God, though assured of our Father’s heart towards us, we seem to constantly need an awakening to remind us of it more often than not. Sometimes we undermine the heart of our Father, limiting the extent to which His love will go for us, as the son did. The parable from today’s verse shows the son believed the Father would listen.
However, his knowledge was limited; believing the father would no longer consider him his child but a servant. Yet, the ultimate response of the Father upon seeing his son was rejoicing with opened arms.
Only a heart that yearns openly for the Father’s heart has the chance to receive the Father’s heart.
It is always in want of you. We on the other hand need a constant awakening to know He wants us reconciled to Him, therefore, let us take advantage of every moment to remind ourselves of His heart towards us.
Dear Lord, it is my prayer that You never cease to remind me of Your heart towards me. Please help me to stay awake in Your love for me and not limit my knowledge on the extent You would go for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Further Reading: Luke 15:32 & Zephaniah 3:17
Bible In One Year: Psalm[67–70]
