FRIDAY 29 July, 2016

A Father’s Loving Inquiry

The king said, “Is the young man Absalom safe?” Ahimaaz answered, “When Joab sent the king’s servant and me your servant, I saw a great tumult, but I did not know what it was about.”And the king said, “Turn aside and stand here.” So he turned aside and stood still. - 2 Samuel 18:29-30

David got straight to the point––what was foremost on his heart, “was the young man Absalom safe?” Can you hear in his voice a father who loved his son? Though many had died on the battle field that day; he no doubt hoped his beloved son was not to be counted among the dead. Ahimaaz has no answer to relieve the kings concerns. Once again, why did he run? It would have been better to be silent than to run and give no message.

When Adam had sinned and ran and hid from the presence of the Lord; God called to him and said: “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9). This was the inquiry of a loving Father who called out to his son. Many believe this call to Adam was out of God’s anger, but I believe with all my heart that is not true. The Lord was giving an opportunity for Adam to repent.

When we fall into sin we tend to want to hide from the Lord. We think of Him as an angry Father ready to punish us. Although we do reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7), He calls out to us as a loving Father. The Bible reveals the character and heart of God towards us as sinners. Romans 2:4 tells us: Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

Is God calling your name today?It is a loving call of a Father to draw you to repentance.He longs for the relationship He once had with you to be restored through His Son.

God is faithful, by whom you were called
into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
~1 Corinthians 1:9~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!