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Seeker-Sensitive Father in an Insensitive World
by Joey Zorina "When the father is going on in his journey, if the child will not go on, but stands gaping upon vanity, and when the father calls, he comes not, the only way is this: the father steps aside behind a bush, and then the child runs and cries, and if he gets his father again, he forsakes all his trifles, and walks on more faster and more cheerfully with his father than ever." -(Thomas Hooker;Puritan Pastor, 1586-1647) I lost my earthly-natural father about 10 years or so ago. I did not know much about my father, except that he was a musician and a bank manager, since he and Mom divorced when I was on the brink of celebrating my boyhood in my early teens. Very few memories linger in my heart upon which I can cherish my father's life today. Yet, I cannot imagine the spiritual depths of the child-like cry of Christ on the Cross in brokenness. This meek and humble Christ, a holy and just God, who "knew no sin" came to be stripped, laid bare, naked, shamed,mocked, disdained, whipped and crucified alive on the Cross. His back was torn from scourging, his face swollen from punching and full of spittle from mockery; his head bloodied by the crown of thorns; his hands and feet mangled with the nails; his side pierced with a large spear and was shamefully naked as he screamed with a "loud cry." Who would not scream in agony when nails are driven through their hands and feet? It ought to have been your hands and feet (and mine). It is our sin that killed him. We were there when they shouted with abomination and slogans of hatred, "CRUCIFY HIM, CRUCIFY HIM.!" Love and Godly sorrow for the world mingled when he cried like a desperate child longing for his father's embrace, "Father, Father why hast thou forsaken ME?" Something utterly dark and terrible happened at that moment of loneliness; that moment of silence from God the father; pouring out His divine wrath upon His spotless son in our place. Hell suffered when he triumphed over them by the means of the Cross. Our curse became His curse so that we can stand before God the father and say through the Holy spirit: "ABBA, ABBA." God receiving his stolen glory when his children prayerfully cry in unison, "Our Father who art in heaven; HALLOWED be your name!" Finally, like that little child in the beginning that "stands gaping upon vanity, and when the father calls, he comes not," the Prodigal son said to himself,"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 men.' So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father SAW him and was filled with COMPASSION for him; he ran to his son, EMBRACED him and kissed him. The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' 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: 18-23. There is only one seeker-sensitive person in an insensitive world; He is your God. Therefore, "Sing to God, sing praise to his name.and rejoice before him. A FATHER to the FATHERLESS, a defender of widows."- Psalm 68:4-5 Evangelist Joey Zorina has preached extensively in his home-country India, Philippines and Tokyo. He is currently part of the Asian Christian Theological Studies/program at Tokyo Christian Institute. Joey is well-known as a pro.guitarist and a passionate speaker. Write to: [email protected] Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |