Recently, the Toronto Blue Jays called up Cavan Biggio to the major leagues. Cavan is the son of hall-of-famer, Craig Biggio.
In one of his first games, with his father in attendance, Cavan smacked his first-ever major league home run. Take a look at this photo of his dad’s reaction—can you tell which one is Cavan’s father? I think so!
Your Heavenly Father’s Joy Over You—in Christ
How do you view your heavenly Father viewing you? When you think of what He thinks of you, do you picture Him with a scowl? A judgmental look? Arms folded and aloof?
Or, do you picture your heavenly Father like this…
“…his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him” (Luke 15:20).
And remember the context. This son had not just hit a home run. This son had struck out repeatedly in his spiritual life—sinning mightily.
Picture his false portrait of his father—painted twice by Christ…
“‘I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants’” (Luke 15:18-20).
“‘The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son’” (Luke 15:21).
He drew his father’s portrait with a stern, harsh, condemning look.
But in-between these two statements, the father runs to him with arms of grace.
And following these two portraits, the father celebrates.
“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate’” (Luke 15:22-23).
They partied so hardy that the older son heard the music and dancing. Angry that his father would celebrate with someone who squandered his money with prostitutes, the older brother confronts his father. The father’s reply, once again, highlights celebration:
“‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found’” (Luke 15:31-32).
How Does the Father View You?
How do you picture your heavenly Father viewing you?
Is He smiling or frowning?
Is He celebrating over you?
Is He infinitely more proud and celebratory than Cavan Biggio’s dad?
Is He “grace-celebrating” over you?
With Cavan Biggio, his dad was joyfully celebrating a home run. That’s wonderful. But your heavenly Father—because of Christ—celebrates over you even while you—and I—are yet sinful sinners.
Yes, of course He calls for our repentance when we sin. Of course, he calls for us to come home again to Him. But it is a grace-call and a grace-celebration.
However you may view your earthly father this Father’s Day weekend, you can view your heavenly Father celebrating over you. Running to you. Throwing his arms around you. Kissing you. Partying with you. Celebrating with you.
He’s a Good Good Father
Oh I’ve heard a thousand stories of what they think You’re like
But I’ve heard the tender whispers of love in the dead of night
And You tell me that You’re pleased
And that I’m never alone.
You’re a Good, Good Father
It’s who You are, it’s who You are, it’s who You are
You’re Loved by Him
And I’m loved by You
It’s who I am, it’s who I am, it’s who I am.
Written by Pat Barrett and Tony Brown, Song by Chris Tomlinm CCLI# 7036612
Official music video of Good Good Father here on YouTube.
