I love that as a dad, I get to model the heart and characteristics of my heavenly Father! Whether it’s to my own kids or those who see me in a position of spiritual authority, I believe that we are called to exemplify the posture of generosity to others. As a continuation of the Father’s Day message I shared this past Sunday at Highway Community Church, let’s dive into this idea a little more…

In Luke chapter 15, Jesus shares a parable about a lost, or prodigal son who disrespectfully asks for his inheritance while his father is still alive. As the story goes, he receives it and wastes it to eventually find himself on skid row. After hitting rock bottom, he decides that voluntary servitude back home is better than the pig slop troughs and hits the road to home.

The father in the story goes beyond understandable generosity. The generosity he demonstrates might actually be harder to give than the forgiveness he extends. Think through this with me…He gives the son all he asks for BEFORE he leaves, then he showers him with gifts upon his return! As Vizzini would say, “Inconceivable!”

Here’s the father saying, “Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger, and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening in the pen. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found!!!”

It is an amazing picture of our God who loves to give…to give extravagantly to His kids!

We find the Apostle Paul sharing in Ephesians 1:3, 8 NIV “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. …8 that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.”

This is the generosity we are to have as part of our calling to become the father in this season of our lives. To hold what the world deems valuable in open hands gladly willing to meet the needs of others around us. When Jesus tells this story, it encourages us with the love that God has for us as the prodigal or older son, but it also calls us to be the dad. To take responsibility for those God has given us, to bless them and exemplify compassion, forgiveness and generosity.