June 19, 2026 · Mark Bishop
The Father's Pain
“And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything. “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate. “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all 355”
Luke 15:11-32 →
that is mine is yours. It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”
## The One Thing I Want
It's difficult to break this story up into sections without leaving some meaning behind, so it's good to take this as a whole then split it into perspectives. There is no mention of a partner for the father, and due to the context of the parable it’s safe to say he was alone. He was successful, wealthy, had employees, and two sons whom he loved. Since the young son wanted his inheritance early, the father agreed to grant him his request. Upon receiving it, he left all he knew. My oldest daughter was becoming obsessed with this new television show that only had one season. Since it had limited episodes, she would watch them over and over again. I remember searching for certain things about the show with her in mind, wondering what would bring a smile across her face. I ended up finding a coat that came with a cape of her favorite character, and it was being sold in town. I was excited and took her to the store without letting her know the reason. I looked everywhere and there it was, like a magic light hitting it from above. I walked her to the item and saw the smile on her face. Once we got home, dad was an afterthought. She wanted the toy only at that moment. I let her play and moved on to do something else.
## Stuck
Sometimes we get stuck in these moments and our attention is on the wrong thing, but we think it's just fine. The father's heart must have split. His son got his reward and when he had it in his possession, he left. The father let him go and continued with his work. We know later in the story that there probably wasn't a day that went by that the dad didn't think about or miss his young son. The pain he felt every night when he laid his head on the pillow or when his eyes opened early in the morning remained. The pain wasn't just about the son taking the money and leaving. The father probably understood when the son asked for the inheritance what would happen. Though the actions of the son leaving would seem
he hated his dad, I don't think that's true. My daughter took her toy and went to play by herself, but it wasn't because she didn't like me or wasn’t appreciative of my gift. It wasn't that I was less loved, I just wasn't the focus. The son in this story simply lost focus on family and love; it was on his brand new toy.
## Self-Check
Do you remember a time when you worked hard and ended up giving something to someone, and their attention wasn't on being thankful but on that item? If so, then you can relate somewhat to his grieving father. God gave up His Son to die so we can live, and yet many live without ever being thankful. The Father hurts when anyone takes the blessings He has given and doesn't give Him a second thought. People are blessed with eyesight, hearing, taste buds, health, finances, family, friends, etc. and really, without God, all of that would not be possible. We want the inheritance (blessing), but not the relationship [with the Father]. Today, spend time not asking God for anything, but in having a conversation with Him.
## A Beautiful Reception