Country singer Zac Brown sang a song entitled, “My Old Man” a few years ago. The lyrics of the song chronicles a young boy looking up to his father, the young boy growing through the teenage “rebellious” years as he sought independence, and the song ends with the young boy now being a father seeking to be like his “old man” with the cycle repeating. Father’s Day is less than two months away from the time of me typing this article. This time of year for me is bittersweet. I have shared in multiple conversations, lessons, and writings about the loss of my father thirty-three years ago during the springtime of the year. That’s the bitter! The sweet thing is being the father to our two adult children. Father’s Day for the last twenty-two years has been sweet! On one hand, I miss my dad tremendously each day, but I am thankful & thrilled to be a dad each day!
Like in the song “My Old Man,” I remember being young and not embracing the love, correction, and appreciation my father had to offer. Despite my immaturity, he loved me anyway and he loved me every- day! As a father, I now see the patience, love, and long suffering required. What’s the point? Being a dad is both special and weighty. Scripture reminds us of both the blessing and responsibility of being blessed by God with a child or children.
As a Christian, we can see the “parent-child” relationship parallel with God being our Father and us being the child. On some level and regardless of our age, we all exhibit childish or childlike behavior from time to time. Why? Because we are frail human beings! Children, you might say. One looks no farther than Luke 15:11-32 to see the cycle of children and parenting in twenty-one verses. This section of Scripture teach- es us or highlights our rebellion, the challenges of parenting, the immaturity of a sibling, and wisdom of the father as He deals with a complex situation!
From the beginning of the chapter to the end we see this passage is so rich! From the start of Luke 15, we are being taught by Jesus in relation to interacting with those others have discarded. I always say the theme of all three parables here is: lost, seeking, found, repent, return, celebrate. I like the humility and patience of the father here. I like the transformation and growth of the prodigal son in relation to repentance and realizing “where he could go” with humility. I love the father’s reaction when both of his children are demonstrating a rebellious attitude supported with negative actions. While disappointed in the older brother’s reaction, I learn so much as a parent from the father as he reacts/responds with kindness and confidence. So much I have learned and continue to learn from this passage. Brother T.J. Kirk says this parable can also be referred to as “The Parable of the Amazing Father.” Essentially, if we slow down, read, and absorb the words, we can see the cycle of life and how our reactions towards others are perpetual.
Seeking independence is natural, but how one does that could have dangerous or challenging consequences. Realizing the path “back home” is based on a spiritual education which should begin in the home. Our humility is required as both a child and parent. Why? Following Christ is about submission, not separation. Our Heavenly Father never moves and all that He has is ours if we seek Him on His terms and not our desires. As Father’s Day approaches, I hope you get to spend time with your dad if you have that opportunity. While I will not be able to do that, I know my “old man” would want me to be pleasing to the Lord, that’s how he raised me.
