Sunday we mark Father's Day. For some, it will be a joyful day to celebrate a loving relationship. For others, it will be a day of sadness, recalling failure or abuse. No matter what kind of earthly father you were or what kind of father you had - you can put a different spin on the day by celebrating the Fatherhood of One who never fails! If you think you failed in the mission of fathering, remember that God gives new hearts, fresh starts, to those who ask for His renewal. If your father was absent, cruel, or abusive - you can begin the process of forgiveness with the help of God, our true Father.
The Bible says, "As parents feel for their children, God feels for those who fear him. He knows us inside and out, keeps in mind that we’re made of mud." (Psalm 103:13-14, The Message) That's rich, isn't it? He knows that you and I are just clay pots, rather fragile, easily broken. But here's another thought from the Word - "We carry this precious Message (of Christ's love and eternal life) around in the unadorned clay pots of our ordinary lives. That’s to prevent anyone from confusing God’s incomparable power with us." (2 Corinthians 4:6-7, The Message) God is investing Himself in people who are just mud, made from the same elements as the dirt! His Presence in us makes us noble, transforms us from ordinary clay pots into vessels of honor, into men and women of great value, uniquely belonging to Him, members of His great family.
One of my favorite passages in the entire Bible is the story found in the 15th chapter of Luke. It is that familiar story of a son, head-strong and rebellious, who takes advantage of his father's love, leaves home, lives wildly, and comes to the end of his resources. He is broken and alone. In his desperation, he hatches a plan. "I'll go home and ask Dad if I can just work on the farm. I know I'm not his son any longer, that he could not possibly love me after all I've done to him." So he goes home. As he comes down the road toward home, he sees a familiar figure coming to him. It's his Dad! He braces for the blast of anger -- but instead finds himself embraced, wrapped in arms of love. "And that," Jesus said, "is the true nature of our Father." He is a compassionate Father who remembers that we are just mud!
Dad - maybe you're dealing with a difficult child this year, one who is resisting your efforts at guidance, who is rebelling. I encourage you to remember he or she is just a sinner, a person made of mud; then remember compassion, a love like that love which your Father has given to you.
This Sunday, in addition to remembering your dad, celebrate the Father!
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Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not;
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.
Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided.
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, With ten thousand beside!
© 1923. Renewed 1951 Hope Publishing Company CCLI License No. 810055
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