The Vicarious Self 7 ... What Kind of Father is God?

“… born of God.”

If you’re “born of God,” God is your Father.

Sadly this is not “good news” for everyone. It was one of the most painful discoveries of my life to find that “Father,” is not always a pleasant term. For some it’s a reminder of disappointments. “When ya comin’ Home Dad?” the Songwriter pleads, only to hear … again … ”I don’t knows when,” and walk away with the empty promises ringing in his ears, “But we’ll get together then, Son. I know we’ll have a good time then.” Father’s hurt their Children in the name of discipline and training. Daughters have been scarred by men I cannot even call father. So, with this painful awareness gnawing at my heart I have to ask, “What kind of Father is God?”

John’s book reveals an intimately loving companionship between Jesus and His Father. “The Father loves the Son,” he writes, “and has given Him everything.”

But the story which answers the question best is one only Luke chose to tell. We know the story by the title “The Prodigal Son.” Tim Keller, a prominent New York Pastor, suggests that we give more attention to the Father in the story. He’s even written a book about the story titled “The Prodigal God.” His point, in short, is that God lavishes His love on us to such an extent that it might be considered wasteful.

Luke begins the Chapter in which he describes this Father with an observation. “A lot of men and women of doubtful reputation were hanging around Jesus, listening intently. The Pharisees – religiously rigid men – and Students of religion, were not pleased. Not at all pleased they growled, 'He takes in sinners and eats with them, treating them like old friends.’” In this tense environment Jesus tells 3 stories about “lost things. The 3rd thing that’s lost is a “Son.” Luke’s telling about this Son is in Chapter 15. I highly recommend Tim Keller’s book because of the inspired way in which he explains Jesus portrayal of the Father of this “lost Son.” Despite private and public humiliation by his insolent Son the Father never ceases to love him. When the “man-child” returns Home after wasting his share of the Family wealth the Father abandons all protocol and reinstates him as an heir. He clothes this sorry wreck of humanity in his own finest robe and announces that his “Son” who, by tradition and Family custom had been disowned and was virtually “dead,” “is alive.” A man who deserved to be left reprobate in his own waste was lavishly welcomed and restored.

A second Son, who never once neglected his responsibility, was his Father’s eldest Son. He was proud of his loyalty. He knew he’d proven he was far more deserving than his rabble rousing Brother. When he heard the ruckus and learned what it was all about he was furious. How could this “human vermin,” be so unfairly, unceremoniously restored to the Family. He humiliated his Father by refusing to join the festivities. He would not be party to such frivolity!

But the Father, always gracious, went to him and begged him to join the celebration. “You are always in my heart,” He said. “All that is mine is yours.” The rebel Child and the Son with the superiority syndrome were both loved despite their sin. With genuinely sacrificial love their Father extended Himself and all that He had to them holding nothing back.

This is Christ’s answer to the question, "What kind of Father is God?"

Is your reputation questionable? Or are you pretty sure you’re more deserving of the Father's love than most people? Perhaps you have an inferiority complex and just can’t get over the certainty that you’ve been unfairly treated by a God whom, you’ve determined, is unworthy of your allegiance. Regardless of what makes you undeserving the Father still loves you! Through His lavish, extravagant “Amazing Grace,” He is still inviting you to His Family table. He is offering you a share of Christ’s inheritance. He has “seen fit to offer you His Kingdom.”

You can most certainly be His Child and enjoy every privilege and freedom reserved for Royalty. Believe it’s for real and trust His offer. Let Him make you the person He imagined you could be when He made you. A truly “Vicarious Self.”