What A Dad
by Tim Sanger( Luke 15:11-24 )
I wonder who among us hasn’t read through the story of the prodigal son and imagined being one of the characters in the parable. Years ago I was sitting in church one Sunday listening to my pastor preach a sermon on forgiveness. I can’t remember the text but I certainly remember the message.
Have you ever had one of those moments when you are absolutely certain that the Holy Spirit is speaking directly to you? This was one of those times. I was in my late twenties at the time. I sat there listening, squirming, as the pastor said, “Even if you know the person whom you sinned against has already forgiven you, if you never asked that person for forgiveness, you need to go back and do so.”
I just knew he was talking to me about my dad. I had spent too many years being angry with my dad. My dad had a job that frequently took him out of town when I was in high school. I had been mad at him, feeling like he missed out on a big part of my life.
As chance would have it, I had plans to go to my parents’ home after church that day for lunch. I knew what the Holy Spirit was requiring me to. I had to speak to my dad. But more than that, I had to repent, apologize, and ask my dad for his forgiveness. We sat down at the dinner table, prayed, and began to eat. I knew that I couldn’t eat a bite before I spoke to my dad. I said, “Dad, I need to apologize to you for something. I was so mad at you when I was younger and I didn’t give you the respect that you deserved. I disagreed with you on everything, for no reason. I’m sorry. Will you forgive me?”
My dad looked at me and said wholeheartedly, “Tim, I don’t remember any of those times.” I was completely blown away by his reply. How could he not remember those times? Then I realized that my dad was acting just like my Father. He was choosing to forget. He was choosing to run to me. He was choosing to throw his arms around me and kiss me. Never before had I seen so clearly the heart of our Father in the actions of my dad. That event was a turning point in my relationship with him.
As we continue on this journey of discipleship we need to remember how necessary it is to die to ourselves each day, to respond to the Holy Spirit, and to walk in obedience to Father, just like Jesus did.
Father, thank you for never giving up on us. Thank you for keeping watch for us, for showing us Your extreme compassion, for running to us and for welcoming us home.