What is interesting about fathers, is they will share how you should go about doing things. The purpose for this approach is to show you the benefits, and how your life will be better. However, as children we think we know better, and will think they don’t know what they are talking about. Yes, as children we have had more educational opportunities than our fathers, and some of us have advanced degrees. But, that does not mean your education supersedes your father’s life experience. When I was fifteen years old, my father took me out to learn how to shoot. He had a high powered rifle and was showing me how to hold it, because the rifle would recoil once you pull the trigger. The rifle had a scope on it, and I had the scope too close to my face. My father told me the scope is going to hit me in the face, but I didn’t listen to his advice. When I shot the rifle, it recoiled and the scope hit me in the face. Once the gun hit me in the face, I started bleeding and dropped the gun. My father stopped the bleeding on my face, and said you need to follow my instructions. 

In Luke 15:11-24, we have the story about the prodigal son, who was the youngest. He had a plan to get his inheritance and live his life according to how he saw fit. The father divided the property and gave the youngest son his portion. The question that many would raise, why would he allow his son to make a mess of his life? The reality of the situation is the son had already made a mess, and would not listen to reason. If the father had stopped the son, he would not have been any help to him. Because, his mind was already made up, and there was nothing the father could say to change his mind. Sometimes the best teacher is life, because they are not satisfied until they experience the fall. This is exactly what happened to his son, he wasted everything and ended up getting a job feeding pigs. It wasn’t until he reached this low point in his life, when he realized the number of mistakes he had made. What he was going through humbled him, and he realized it was time to go back home. But, he felt unworthy to come back as his father’s son, all he wanted to do was be accepted as a hired servant. When the father saw his son coming toward the house, he ran to meet him. Once they embraced the son confessed his sins and stated, “I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” The father heard it, but did not address his son’s words. He had a robe put on him, a ring placed on his finger, and sandals on his feet. To let the son know your position has not changed. They had a celebration for the return of his son. The father stated, “for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” The father loved his son, and was letting him know you are forgiven. 

I’m glad we have fathers that love us through all of our mistakes. Today, I want you to thank God for your father, and if he is still with us, spend some time with him. Continue to walk in your blessings.

Happy Father’s Day!!!