This is the SIXTH (and last) installment
of a series of What a Dad Does articles dealing with the “father who knew how
to let go” taken from Luke 15:11-32. To read the first five in the series
please go to What A Dad Does and read Volume II Issues 3-7 which
deal with verses 11-31. Like all blogs, the articles are newest first (reverse
order). We’ll finish the story with verse 32.
But
we had to celebrate and rejoice, for this brother of yours was dead and has
begun to live, and was lost and has been found.'" (Luke 15:32 NASB)
Finding life is the ultimate cause for
celebration. The father in Jesus’ story was beside himself in festivity at his
younger son’s return. Of course he wanted everyone in his household and circle
of influence to make merriment with him, especially the older brother.
Why
did he have to prod the older brother to rejoice? He was trying to get the older
engaged in the party but he was in the “gall of bitterness” (Acts 8:23). It
makes no rational sense that the son who got two thirds of the estate, the
house and everything in it and had always been with his father’s fellowship:
would be so upset that he couldn't celebrate his brother's homecoming. That is unless you dig deeper, what's really
happening here is that the older brother was afraid of being displaced. So
fearful was he that he actually hated and despised his younger brother. This is
the essence of jealousy. Without the grace of God a person can never release
jealously.
But if you have bitter jealousy and
selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie
against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is
earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there
is disorder and every evil thing. (James 3:14-16 NASB)
Dad,
do you have one or more children who are jealous of one of their siblings? A father can do something about it.
Pray for the first thing. God hears the “fervent prayers of a righteous man”
(James 5:16). Second, make personal time with each of your children. Make sure
each one knows how special they are. Never make one of them your “favorite” or
tell others that you are closer to this one or that one. Make every one of them
your close friend and confidant. Third, set the standard that in our family
we’ll never let the son go down on our anger. The slate needs to be wiped clean
before bed, every day. Dad, you set the example. Ask forgiveness of any of them
you have offended every day. This means that you may have to get out of bed go
wake one or more of them up to ask forgiveness.
When
did the father give the older son his inheritance? An inheritance is usually secured when
the testator dies. However since the father had already divided the estate when
the younger asked, the older perceived he had received his at the same time.
This is important and part of the reason he could not celebrate, because he
felt dad was giving away his stuff.
Why
did the father say, "we HAD TO celebrate"? Life celebrates life. Dad, when
someone comes to Christ, does your son or daughter rejoice? Rejoicing at this
point says volumes about his or her spiritual condition. But satan comes to
steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). Don’t let him have the victory in your
family. Celebrate often!
Did the father ever say he loved
either son? No, but his actions spoke volumes. However, don’t let this fact
keep you from telling your daughters and sons that you love them. Tell them
every day and demonstrate your love, just like our father in the story. Did the
father ever say, “I forgive you” to either son?
Again, no, but his actions certainly demonstrated it!
Keep loving, keep forgiving, keep
celebrating, you have a very rich treasure!
THIS IS WHAT AN EXULTANT DAD DOES!
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