The Parable of the Gracious Father

The Return of the Prodigal Son- Rembrandt, circa 1667 A.D.

This week I read Dutch priest, Henri Nouwen's book, "The Return of the Prodigal Son: A story of homecoming" and highly recommend it as a thorough and very personal look at the parable in Luke 15. Henri Nouwen was so moved by viewing Rembrandt's painting, which is displayed in the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia, that it inspired his spiritual journey and the eventual writing of the book. Some claim that Rembrandt's work, completed within two years of his death, is the greatest picture ever painted. The canvas is 6 feet by 8 feet and the photo below shows it in perspective.

In Brian Zahnd's book, Sinners in the Hands of a Loving God, the author also speaks of how moved he was when he saw the painting. If you look closely at the hands of the father, the right one is a fine, female hand and the left a strong, masculine hand. There are so many meaningful details included by Rembrandt. 

This week's biographical sketches of ancestral fathers on both sides of my family left me knowing, without a doubt, that all these men loved their children dearly. They were imperfect fathers, and some of their transgressions may require our gracious forgiveness. I know my own father loved all of his children, but he could not express his love easily, and at times left us feeling that we had to earn his favour and approval. I have written openly about Dad's family, but he had difficulty talking about his history and wanted to hide the human faults that are present in all families. 

The father in Luke 15 models a perfect example of parental love, acceptance, extravagent grace and forgiveness. 

• The father allowed his son to make his own choices and did not stop him from taking his inheritance, even when he knew it would be used wastefully. His love allowed for risks.
• The father was patiently waiting and watching for his son's return. He never gave up hope for reconciliation. 
• The son knew in his heart where home was. Hard times made him appreciate the good things he had left behind.
• The father came out to greet his son when he was still far off in the distance. The son did not have to stand at the gate and wonder if he would be accepted.
• The father's love and forgiveness did not include scolding or punishment. There were no conditions that needed to be met to in order to receive the father's love.
• The father accepted his son into his arms before he was cleaned up. He loved him as he was. 
• The father knew how to throw a party!
• The father demonstrated equal love for both his sons, the one who had been obedient (but was bitter) and the one who had lived disobediently and recklessly.
• The father demonstrated that "there is no fear in love"(1 John 4:18). Too often, fear of punishment is used to control others.

As humans, it is difficult for us to demonstrate this kind of lavish love. We tend to treat others based on our perception of how they treat us. We hold onto our hurts, bitterness and resentment for too long and add conditions in order for others to receive our affection. We are critical and judgemental. We try to control and manipulate others, demanding respect, which can really only be earned. Sometimes our expressions of love are stifling, and we do not allow others the freedom to follow their own path, even if it seems destructive. I thought of this as I watched the Peregrine falcons this week as they encouraged their young to fly. The risk of failure was high, but it was the only way they would learn to soar.

Even if our earthly fathers fell short of this standard, our heavenly Father still stands as a gracious, loving and forgiving parent. It is unfortunate that "older brother" religious traditions use fear to control, and add conditions to God's love. C.S. Lewis once said, in response to a debate on what makes Christianity distinct from other religions, 

"It's grace. 

 The idea that God’s love comes to us with no strings attached 

seems to go against every instinct of humanity."

Happy Fathers' Day to all the men in my family, past and present. 

May we, as a family, exhibit the extravagent grace and love of God

 to this generation and generations to come.

We give our thanks, Creator God, for the fathers in our lives.

 Fatherhood does not come with a manual, 

and reality teaches us that some fathers excel while others fail.

 We ask for Your blessings for them all – and forgiveness where it is needed.

This Father's Day we remember the many sacrifices fathers make 

for their children and families, and the ways – both big and small – 

they lift children to achieve dreams thought beyond reach.

 So too, we remember all those who have helped fill the void 

when fathers pass early or are absent – 

grandfathers and uncles, brothers and cousins, teachers, 

pastors and coaches – and the women of our families.

 For those who are fathers, we ask for wisdom and humility 

in the face of the task of parenting. 

Give them the strength to do well by their children and by You.

 In Your Holy name, O God, we pray.

 Amen

 Rev. Chuck Currie