GOD IS THE FATHER OF US ALL

“And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers…”—Malachi 4:6

The book of Luke records the account of ten lepers who called out to Jesus, as He passed by, to have mercy upon them.  When Jesus saw them He told them to, “Go show yourselves to the priests.”  As they went, they were healed.  However, only one returned giving thanks and praises to God.  Jesus asked the man where were the other nine who were healed, and why weren’t they there giving glory to God?  He went on to tell the man that his faith had made him well (Luke 17:11-19).   

Just as this account reminds us that not everyone returns to glorify God for working in their lives, God is still at work turning the hearts of the children back to Him.   

Some years ago, I was overseeing my then teenage daughter’s homework.  She was not in the best frame of mind because I had asked her to rewrite an English assignment.  If you have every corrected a teenager who was not in the “mood” to change their mind, you can imagine the stressful atmosphere that was is the room.  She was unhappy with me because her teacher “did not care” if her paper was “sloppy.”  Later, as I was rechecking the paper, I noticed a book that she did not want me to see.  The book had several names of rock music groups written on it.  I shared scriptures from Colossians 3 and Ephesians 4, with her concerning being a new person in Christ, and what our character is to reflect, I assured her of my love.  Not only did her rebellious attitude changed, but her eyes sparkled and her voice lifted, as she told me that her Dad loved her. 

Later, I was praying for my daughter and my heart was heavy because I longed to hear that my daughter loved me.  I had seen the change in her countenance when she said that her Dad loved her.  This thought came to me: How God must yean for His children to return and express love to Him.  Somehow this brought peace to my soul.  Knowing the special sparkle that came to her, as she mentioned how her father loved her.  It was alright with me, and I had peace in my heart—because that special sparkle should be reserved for Father’s. 

Prayer—Father I give thanks to you today for your unconditional love to me, and help me to always have a grateful heart, in Jesus Name. Amen.