My father turned 80 last week. His 14th spiritual birthday is this month also. I wish I had the time and space to tell you the story of his final surrender to God's call to faith. When I think about Dad running hard away from God, I think of Martin Luther who called God "the Hound of Heaven." God pursues His chosen ones, and doesn't give up until they are brought to their knees in repentant faith. Dad resisted God's pursuit of him as long as he could until God's gracious hand grabbed hold of him and said, "Enough!! I love you and I want you to know my love beginning today." It was at that moment Dad saw everything clearly. He saw his pride for what it really was: a sin against a holy God, deserving of eternal damnation. He saw for the first time how the Judge of all the earth had provided a substitute for the penalty of his sin. He saw Jesus, as his sin-bearer. His "chains fell off, [his] heart was free; [he] rose went forth and followed thee. (Charles Wesley)"
I clearly remember the day I heard this good news. To be honest I had begun to think Dad would never be brought to faith because he'd had so many life-threatening crises but felt no spiritual danger. I had begun to think his was a hopeless case.
How foolish of me. As long as there is life, there is hope. Though I had been praying, my prayers were weak in faith. How thankful I am to my gracious God for granting to my father the gift of salvation.
Dad was a good father. Even before becoming a Christian he took his role as husband and father seriously. He was a hard worker, and loved his family deeply. I didn't really expect to see much change in him in his new life. But there was!! There was joy. There was a peace about him that I'd never seen before. There was a warmth towards Christians, an eagerness to attend church, enter into fellowship, read God's word, and pray. The transformation was immediate and obvious.
I am so thankful for all the blessings that have come as a result of my father's salvation. What I am most happy about is that not only my children but also my grandchildren can experience the prayers of my father. Though they do not see him much, Dad is praying for them. What richness is ours.
This Saturday we will all be together in Maine. Dad and Mom will be surrounded by their 5 children, 16 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. We will be celebrating Dad and Mom's 80th birthdays, and their 60th wedding anniversary. Blessings Galore!! "Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow." Amen.
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