This week, we gathered as one church and one body to worship God and to also honor our earthly fathers on Father’s Day. While we remember our fathers on this day, we must more importantly, honor our Heavenly Father. It is He who has shown us unparalleled compassion and has restored us to a seat at His table despite our unworthiness. Let’s remember to pray and give thanks to God as we reflect on his unwavering kindness toward us.
A Prayer of Gratitude
Tyler led us in a prayer that will help us focus and reflect on our gracious heavenly Father: “God, we thank You for Your grace and Your mercy. We acknowledge that we are all prodigals in our own way, having taken our share of the inheritance and squandered it. We have often used it on selfish ambitions and worldly pleasures. But today, as a community, we want to start fresh. We come back to You, running to You, knowing that You have open arms and are waiting for us to embrace. God, we thank You for the compassion that You’ve shown generation upon generation. We love You. It’s in Your name we pray. Amen.”
The Prodigal Journey
In his prayer, Tyler alludes to the story of the Prodigal Son recorded in Luke 15:11-32. It is a story that resonates deeply with many of us. It is a tale of rebellion, realization, and regret. It is ultimately a story of redemption. We have all, at some point, taken the blessings and opportunities given to us and used them for selfish gains. We have pursued worldly pleasures or material things, thinking they would bring us happiness, only to find ourselves empty and longing for something more.
In the parable, the prodigal son reaches a point of desperation. He realizes the gravity of his mistakes and decides to return to his father, hoping for a place as a servant. But what he finds is far beyond his expectations. His father, filled with compassion, runs to him, embraces him, and restores him to his rightful place as a son.
God’s Unfailing Compassion
This story is a powerful illustration of God’s unfailing compassion for us! No matter how far we stray, no matter how much we squander, He is always ready to welcome us back with open arms. This is the essence of grace—undeserved favor and love.
As we honor our earthly fathers today, let’s not forget to honor our Heavenly Father, who has shown us the ultimate example of love and compassion. His love is not conditional; it does not depend on our actions or our worthiness. It is a love that is steadfast and unchanging, generation after generation.
Starting Fresh With Our Heavenly Father
Every day, we have the opportunity to start fresh. We can come back to God, acknowledging our mistakes and seeking His forgiveness. We can run to Him, knowing that He is waiting for us with open arms.
This act of returning to God is not a one-time event. It is a daily choice to turn away from selfish ambitions and worldly pleasures and to seek His will for our lives. It is a choice to embrace His compassion and to live in a way that honors Him. God’s forgiveness and mercy never run out!
Living in Compassion
As we reflect on God’s compassion, we are also called to extend that same compassion to others. Just as God has shown us grace and mercy, we are to show grace and mercy to those around us. This means forgiving those who have wronged us, helping those in need, and loving others unconditionally.
In a world that often values success and achievement over compassion and kindness, this can be a challenging task. But as followers of Christ, we are called to live differently. We are called to be a light in the darkness, to show the world what true love and compassion look like.
A Community of Compassion
As a church, we have the unique opportunity to be a community of compassion. We can support and encourage one another, helping each other to grow in our faith and to live out the love of Christ. We can be a place where all people feel welcomed and accepted, no matter their past mistakes or current struggles.
This Father’s Day, let’s strive to be a church that reflects the compassion of our Heavenly Father. Let’s honor God by welcoming, loving, and serving others, just as He has loved and served us.
Closing Thoughts
In conclusion, when we celebrate Fathers Day, let’s not forget to remember our Heavenly Father. Let’s give thanks for His grace and mercy, and let’s commit to living in a way that reflects His love and compassion. Let’s start fresh, running to Him with open hearts, and let’s extend that same compassion to those around us.
May we be a community of believers that embodies the love of Christ, showing the world what it means to be truly loved and accepted just as they are. And may we always remember that no matter how far we stray, God is always waiting for us to return to Him! He is always ready to welcome us back to His table.
Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes invites you to join us in this Sunday. Together, we can experience God’s Grace and share the love of Jesus with those around us.
