Truly vulnerable - by Ben Bonython

'Love meant that the Father had to make himself truly vulnerable'

The nature of true fatherhood includes all the normal traits we admire and celebrate - provider, carer, giver, teacher, example...and the list goes on!
But what about vulnerable?

This thought is clearly shown in the bible as well as lived out by us every day through free will.  We have freedom to do what we like with the love of God.  God allows Himself to be vulnerable in the giving of His love.  And this goes all the way through to paying the price for our sin by sending His son Jesus to make a way for us.  God Himself shows that love is risky but that is the risk Father God takes with us. Father God has paid for that risk - to ensure the free opportunity for us to have ongoing relationship with him.

What picture can we consider for what Father God truly longs for?  Many glimpses where shared with us on Sunday, but consider these two:

1. The Father waiting for, and running to the returning lost son

So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. Luke 15:20

2. The Father seeking fellowship with His children

 When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God among the trees. Then the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” Genesis 3:8-9

Be encouraged and know that Father God is watching and waiting for you.  Be encouraged and know that Father God calls to you - 'where are you'

Where are you today with Father God?  When you answer this question, make a decision, no matter how you answer, to return home again, and again, and again and again....

Our earthly experiences of fatherhood are just that - human experiences - and we hope and pray that we are blessed by our human experiences.  But let us look to our heavenly father more so, and live a life that honours His Fatherhood towards us.  Let us always return to Father God in every circumstance and feast at His table.