ABBA! – The Fatherhood of God (Pt. 1)

THE FATHER THAT LOVES

It is amazing that at the core of even the vilest of men is a soft spot for children borne out of his bowels. Every responsible father would go any length to ensure their kids are adequately fed and adequately protected. And if man, in all his wickedness and depravity of heart, is capable of loving his own so dearly, how much more would the spotless Father lavish us with eternal love.

A man of influence can be so sophisticated outside his home, but the rules are different when he assumes the role of a father. He may be seemingly unapproachable by those without, but the members of his household enjoy unrestricted access to his attention. Depending on his status in society, those seeking to see him might have to fill forms and book appointments. But if his child needs his attention for whatever reason, he doesn’t need to go through such protocol. He shows up uninvited and skips the line to see his father. Visitors and those in need of favours from him appear in their finest apparel, but he wouldn’t mind taking a hug from his little son covered with filth from playing around.

At this point, the prodigal son comes to mind…

After exhausting his inherited portion of his father’s wealth in a far country, he showed up with all the filth from his riotous living, And while he was yet a long distance away from home, his father ran out to meet him and embraced him. Emphasis on “ran out to meet him”. Only a few things will make a man so wealthy run. In this case, it was the arrival of his runaway son. I believe the boy must have stunk real bad at arrival. Having dwelt with pigs, he must have been filthy from head to toe, but all that didn’t deter the father from loving on him.

Oh, how his father longed for his return. The thought that his son could be anywhere out there, away from his love, probably marred his sleep. He greatly desired his return, not because the boy had anything to offer him —on the contrary, he had squandered a good portion of the father’s property—, but simply because he was his son, he couldn’t stand his absence.

It was difficult to hide his concerns as he would often step out to see if the lad was anywhere in sight, and for every day his son didn’t show up, he would return home disappointed only to look out again the next day. His servants must have wondered what had come over him. After all, he had another loyal son who was with him all the while. Well, to a father, every child is uniquely essential. If a servant leaves, it is easy to find a replacement, but there are no replacements with sons.

If a servant leaves, it is easy to find a replacement, but there are no replacements with sons.

How about King David?

When the son Bathsheba bore him became ill, he would not eat, neither could he sleep for an entire week. Although the circumstances around the child’s birth weren’t so pleasant, it never affected the father-son connection. His son’s survival was more important to him than anything else. He was willing to suspend all his kingly duties for as long as it took for his child to recover, not minding the possible consequence. He prayed ceaselessly for his son’s life and would only rise from his intercession when the infant passed on. Only a father can love so deeply.

In another incident in 2 Samuel 18, his son, Absalom, rebelled against him and waged war against his father’s army. Absalom was on a mission to tear down his father’s kingdom. Left to David, he would never fight against his son, but as the king, he owed his people the duty of protecting them.

David was not allowed to fight in this particular battle (v.3), but he gave instructions to his army officers to deal gently with his son Absalom (v.5). He wanted them to win to save the land, but he also wanted his son to return to him. While the battle ensued, David sat at the gate of the city restless (v.24). The palace was too comfortable for him with his son out there, possibly in danger.

In the end, his army won the battle, but unfortunately, Joab, his commander-in-chief, killed his son on the battleground. And when they brought the tidings of the war to David, he wept. He wept so much; you’ll think he lost the battle. As far as David was concerned, winning the fight was far less important than losing a son. In v.33 of that chapter, his cry tells us that he would instead give his own life for his rebellious son Absalom to live. “…Absalom, my son! If only I had died in your place, my son!…” (2 Samuel 18:33 GNT)

As far as David was concerned, winning the fight was far less important than losing a son.

Does that ring any bell?

It does remind me of the heavenly father giving his son in our stead. Like the prodigal son and Absalom, we bore a rebellious heart, dwelling in the far country and living based on our own rules. But the father couldn’t stand to see us astray. He was willing to pay any ransom to have us home – whatever it took to restore the blissful relationship we once had.

The price was grand, but His love for us was much greater. He was ready to risk it all for our salvation. In Cory Asbury’s words, “His love bankrupted heaven for you and me.” Even though there was a chance that the very ones He came to save would reject Him, it didn’t stop Him from going all the way. And while we were yet rebels, He would send His son to die on our behalf. Such Love!

“But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”

Romans 5:8 (NLT)

Our Response

In the story of the prodigal son, it wasn’t enough that the father loved him so dearly. As much as he desired his comfort and joy, he couldn’t do so much to help him while he dwelt in the far country. The son, on his part, had to retrace his steps back home into the loving arms of his father. He said to himself, “I will arise and go to my father…” (Luke 15:18).

As much as our Heavenly Father has paid the price for our redemption, it can only be activated when we accept His offer and come to Him. Just like in a buffet party, everything is made available in the banquet hall. It’s an open invitation, and everyone is allowed to come and feast. Accepting the invitation grants you access to all the beautiful provisions within the hall, but it is also possible to stay outside and starve.

Interestingly, it was not required of the prodigal son to clean himself up when he returned. His father assumed responsibility, and in an instant, he was transformed to reflect the royalty of his father. The Heavenly Father also doesn’t need to you clean yourself up before approaching Him. Come as you are, and let Him love up on you. He awaits your return with arms wide open.

“Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love…”

Jeremiah 31:3 (NKJV)