A Father’s Love
The father in the story of the prodigal son suffered much. He saw his younger son leave, knowing disappointment, rejection, and abuses faced him. He saw his older son become angry and bitter and was unable to offer him affection and support. A large part of the father’s life had been spent waiting. He could not force his younger son to come home or his older son to let go of his resentments. Only they themselves could take the initiative to return.
During these long years of waiting the father cried many tears and died many deaths. He was emptied out by suffering. But that emptiness created a place of welcome for his sons when the time of their return came. We are called to become like that father.
—Henri Nouwen,
The Tears of the Father
If you read the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ life and ministry, one thing that will strike you is the way Jesus unconditionally welcomed everyone who genuinely sought Him. The woman with an issue of blood quite literally stopped Jesus in His tracks when she reached out in faith to touch even a corner of His garment. The blind beggar called out to Jesus in desperation from the side of the road. The children he welcomed, even after his disciples had tried to discourage them from bothering the Master. Tax collectors. Lepers. Prostitutes. The Pharisee, Nicodemus, who the Scripture says, “came by night.” Even the condemned man on the cross beside Him at Golgotha. Welcome! The picture of the father welcoming his prodigal son with open arms is a heartwarming picture of our God’s love for each of us, but it needs to become an inspiring picture for each of us in the way we should lovingly welcome others. It is a good thing to consider: How inviting are we? How welcoming are we? How loving are we? Do we resemble our Father in these things? —DH
—David Hoskins, Founder & Care Guide, Sanctuary Clinics