Discover the Father Heart of God

Father's Day can stir up a mix of emotions—joy, gratitude, regret, or even pain. But whether your earthly father was present or absent, kind or cruel, there is One Father whose love is perfect, constant, and life-changing—God, your Heavenly Father.

In Luke 15, Jesus shares what is often called the Parable of the Prodigal Son, but a closer look reveals that it’s truly a story about the faithful and loving Father. It's not just about a rebellious son—it’s about the Father's heart toward both the wayward and the religiously rigid.

Abba: The Intimate Name for God
One of the most powerful truths from Scripture is that God invites us to call Him “Abba, Father”—an affectionate term meaning “Daddy.” It’s not formal. It’s not distant. It’s deeply personal.
“By the Spirit we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’”
 —Romans 8:15
“Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father.’”
 —Galatians 4:6
“This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.’”
 —Matthew 6:9
God doesn’t want religion from you. He wants relationship. He doesn't just want your church attendance—He wants your heart.

The Power of a Father’s Presence and Words
Too many of us believe the lie that “men don’t know how to express emotion.” But the Bible is full of men—like King David—who were warriors and poets, strong and expressive.
God has given us the gift of words. “Life and death are in the power of the tongue.” Use your words to build up your children, speak life over your spouse, and connect with your Heavenly Father. You’re never too tough to tell someone you love them—and to write it down.

The Younger Son: A Journey from Rebellion to Redemption
The younger son in Luke 15 demanded his inheritance early, essentially saying, “I wish you were dead.” He took his share, squandered it, and ended up feeding pigs—a shameful and cursed job in Jewish culture.
But in the filth of his failure, the Bible says:
“He came to his senses.”
 —Luke 15:17
That’s the turning point. That’s repentance.
He didn't just want God to bless the pig pen—he decided to leave it. Real repentance isn't just about remorse. It’s about returning to the Father.

The Father Runs to the Son
What happens next is scandalous grace.
“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, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”
 —Luke 15:20
In Middle Eastern culture, fathers didn’t run. But this Father breaks the rules. He runs. He embraces. He restores.
He gives him:

1. A robe – Covering his shame
   
   
2. A ring – Restoring his authority
   
   
3. Sandals – Reaffirming his identity as a son, not a slave
   
   

“This son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.”
 —Luke 15:24
This is the heart of God—not to punish, but to restore.

The Older Brother: Proximity Without Intimacy
Let’s not forget the older brother. He was in the Father’s house but didn’t enjoy the Father’s heart. He obeyed, but didn’t engage. He was near, but not connected.
Too many believers live like this—close to church but distant from God. We know doctrine, but not affection. The Father says:
“My son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.”
 —Luke 15:31
Don’t live in the house and miss the heart.

You Can Begin Again
Maybe your earthly father let you down—or was never there. Maybe you’ve felt unworthy, unloved, or forgotten. But the message of Luke 15 and the heart of the Gospel is this: You are not fatherless. You have a Father. And He is good.
“You are no longer a slave, but God’s child.”
 —Galatians 4:7
Like Greg’s testimony shared in the message—no matter how far you’ve fallen or what you've done, God is ready to receive you. With grace, compassion, and affection.
Final Word: Come Home
God is not a distant deity waiting to condemn. He is a compassionate Father watching the road, hoping to see you come over the hill. He doesn’t just want to forgive you—He wants to hold you.
So today, write it out. Say it out loud. Abba, I belong to You.

Below is the prayer Pastor Kevin shared for Israel and our nation during these challenging times:

Heavenly Father,

You are the God of peace and justice, and today we lift up both Israel and our own nation to You. Your Word says, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels” (Psalm 122:6–7). So we ask for peace within her borders, protection for the innocent, and comfort for those who mourn. Be Israel’s defender, her refuge and strength, an ever-present help in time of trouble (Psalm 46:1).

We also remember Your promise: “He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep” (Psalm 121:4). Watch over Your people, Lord, and let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream (Amos 5:24).

For all caught in the conflict — Jew and Arab, soldier and civilian — we ask that hearts would turn toward You. Let Your mercy be known and revival rise, even in the darkest hour.

And here in our own land, where there is unrest and division, raise up peacemakers, for “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). Help us speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) and live out Your command: “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:31–32).

May our leaders, pastors, and everyday citizens walk in the way of Micah 6:8: “To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Unify us not by politics or opinion, but by the truth that we are all made in Your image (Genesis 1:27). “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3).

We trust in Your promise, Lord, and we long for the day when “Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore” (Isaiah 2:4). Until that day, let Your peace reign and Your presence be known.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

PASTOR KEVIN'S SERMON NOTES
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