"Do you know who your father is ?"

Saturday 15 May 2021

"Do you know who your father is ?"

Come to me, all of you who are weary and hunched over under a burden, and I will give you rest. Accept my demands and let yourselves be instructed by me, for I am meek and humble of heart, and will find rest for your soul. Indeed, my demands are good and my burden light. Matthew 11.28-30

Do you know the story of Ben Hopper ? This man, of unknown father, grew up in a small town of religious appearance but whose foundation was based more on a strict law than on the Grace offered by our Lord Jesus.

Marginalized, singled out, criticized and cast aside for being out of wedlock, Ben suffered greatly as a child. This suffering led him to believe that he was not worthy of being loved and that he would never find rest, believing that even in the Kingdom of God there must be favoritism.

One day, however, a new pastor moved to this Tennessee town. Her heart for Jesus was so strong that it became palpable and visible. He didn't even have to speak for someone to feel loved when he touched him. Ben was the first surprised. Attracted by the life that this pastor emanated from, he regularly attended his preaching in church, in hiding of course... until the day, when, so touched by the message preached, he forgot to hide and was surprised by the assembly.

"God does not favoritism among his children."

As he tried to escape, a hand rested on him with power and delicacy. It was this pastor. He asked her only one question : "Do you know who your father is ?" The young man did not know what to answer. "I know it," he said. "Your gaze does not deceive. You are a child of God, our Father to all. Live without fear now. He will take care of you, but make sure to lead a life that honors him." The Grace of God had come to Ben.

As sons and daughters of God, we are all called to carry his Heart, to be his outstretched Hand to all those who suffer and see no way out of their lives, to show them that Jesus is the Answer and to them. say : "Cast all your worries upon him, for he himself takes care of you." (1 Peter 5.7)

A prayer for today :

Father, make us instruments in your hands, to communicate your life and all the hope that resides in you, to those who suffer and to those who do not know you. Help us not to judge but to love as you love us. In the name of Jesus. Amen !

Jean-Louis Gaillard

Source (The Thought of the Day)