18 I will arise and go to my father,
Luke 15:18 (ESV)
So much said in very few words. I wept as I read and realized the power and possibility in these eight words.
"I" and "my"- God is the God of the individual. Yes, He is the God of the universe. He controls the wind and wave. He holds the destiny of nations in His hand. But He is, at the same time, intimately and passionately aware of and in love with me-- little, insignificant, mistake-making David Martin. God has numbered the hairs on my head.
"will"- God is the God of right now. I don't have to designate a time in the future to go to God. No appointment necessary. Now. Immediately. This very instant.
"arise"- Before one can arise, a person has to be down. No matter how down we are. No matter how low our station or actions, we can rise up out of the mess we have created and go to Him.
"go to"- The prodigal son knew the way home. He knew where his father was. Our heavenly Father has not changed His adderss. He has not skipped the country. He is right where He has always been. Standing there waiting for the return of His child. Watching the horizon for my bedraggled little self to come dragging back. No recrimination. No accusations. Just love, joy, and heavenly hugs.
"father"- One challenge with the anthropomorphism of God is that when we place a humanness on God, we are using an imperfect model to describe a perfect being. No matter how wonderful a earthly father may have been, he can in no way compare to the perfection of our heavenly Father. Then factor in all the fathers that have been absent, abusive, or antagonistic, the father comparison can become very misleading. But picture the perfect father. Always there. Always loving. Always ready to comfort, guide, and protect. Couple this omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence, you have a heavenly Father that is without flaw or fail.
Eight simple words. Life changing implications.
"I will arise and go to my Father."
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