Freedom Even to Reject the Lover


One line that stood out to me in the reading was (in reference to the father’s response to the son’s request), “It is difficult to imagine a more dramatic illustration of the quality of love, which grants freedom even to reject the lover, than that given in this opening scene”.

Freedom even to reject the lover.

As acknowledged in the chapter, this quality is so rare, so counter-intuitive – and when we see it, we know it is divinely inspired (as all love is). As my friendships grow in their relational depth, I continue to see new layers of the love that Jesus calls us to. And much like learning a new language, the more I learn, the more I realize that I do not know.

I clearly see the father demonstrating a love that is so far from being self-seeking, a love that replicates the love of our Father.

Boy, we’ll never tire of contemplating God’s love, of contemplating His mercy in continuing to love us even when we reject the lover.

I’m so looking forward to seeing (some of) you all this weekend!
Mirm (y)

Comments

  1. Lara ZscheileMarch 2, 2018 at 12:49 AM

    The father's quality of love that gives the freedom to reject him... He truly put it all out there on the line! Ready for his son to possibly reject Him. I'm too much of a pansy to love people if rejection is a possible outcome. Thank you Jesus for the perfect example of reckless love at its finest. Teach me to love like that.

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  2. Steve MannMarch 2, 2018 at 9:53 AM

    When you wrote "we'll never tire of contemplating God's love" these words from Psalm 1 came to mind - "Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night." Thanks for the super encouraging post.

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