More lessons from the heart of the Prodigal’s Father
19th June 2005
Being Father’s Day here in the USA today, probably quite a few sermons in church services were based on the story from Luke chapter 15. Usually titled The Parable of the Prodigal Son, this is more a story about the Father than about either of the sons. (But see here and here for a couple of interesting takes about some lessons learned about the Older Brother in this oft-repeated story about the Younger Brother). A while back, while processing my own personal lessons from the outward rebellions of both my daughters, I mentioned some lessons I learned about the heart of the Prodigal Father.
Today, as I sat in church and listened to the Father’s Day sermon at church based on this parable, I reflected on more lessons about the Father, and what that teaches about God and how we dads need to model ourselves after Him.
Specifically, I was touched by the promptness of the Father’s response to the son’s request for his inheritance. Instead of being offended, the Father acted as the son wished. The Father loved his son. It was tough love. Usually when I think of “tough love” in a parent-child relationship context, I think of discipline and the toughness to be endured by the younger of the two parties. But, in this case,
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