It’s good to give thanks for our fathers today. While it’s hard to remember everything our dads did for us when we were children, we were provided for, protected, taught how to walk, ride a bike, work with our hands and use our brains. Some fathers taught us about life, others about faith and many passed on values and wisdom that have significantly shaped our lives and how we relate to others. The list of reasons might vary, but we give thanks for our dads and all we have received from them. 

 

Last Wednesday we held a day of prayer. Around 52 people attended the morning and evening sessions to come before our Heavenly Father. Jesus taught us to start prayer with the words, ‘our Father’. It’s the most wonderful truth that we can come to God like this. And Jesus also taught what kind of Father God is in the parable of the prodigal son. We are going to immerse in that story in a creative reading this Father’s Day. 

 

The story teaches that no matter how far his children have wandered from home, our Father is always ready to welcome them back, restore the relationship, and lead in a celebration that his lost child is now found. I am sure he wants everyone to know on Father’s Day, that he always loved you, has been looking for you, and waiting with open arms for you to come home to him. 

 

One of the reasons I love that story is because I was a prodigal, and have experienced the incredible grace of God that found me after being so lost in life. And now as a pastor of The Grove, one of my greatest desires for our church is that we would always be like the Father who welcomes people home. In fact, I see our church building more like a family home in our neighbourhood, and now the kitchen is almost complete, we can only increase our hospitality to celebrate with all the Lord welcomes home.

 

At our City on a Hill Day of prayer, Jacque Lippett shared some verses with me from Psalm 46, that God impressed on her heart for The Grove. 

 

A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High. God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. From the very break of day, God will protect it. (Psalms 46:4-5 NLT)

 

These words describe the church like a city, where all who come experience the presence of God watching over his city. It’s a safe place to be, and where his love flows like a river bringing refreshment and joy to all who dwell there. 

 

Last Sunday I had the privilege of praying for people, couples and at one point a whole family of three generations. In each case I could see the river of God flowing, and tears of refreshment and joy revealing that this is a beautiful place for all in our families, friends and neighbourhood to come. 

 

Let’s reflect Jesus wonderful parable in the season ahead, and invite many more to come 

home. Let’s take every opportunity to share the Fathers welcome with all who arrive at 

The Grove week after week after week.  

 

Marty