A FATHER’S LOVE – STORY & ART PRINT by Joseph James
A man looked up to heaven one day, a bit irritated by his circumstances and asked, “Father, do you really love me?”
Father’s response was so quick, unexpected, and loud that it startled the man, “Yes, My son! You know I do!”
A long moment passed and the man asked a little more hesitantly, “Why don’t you care that these people are stealing from my business and hurting me and my family? I would really like some justice from You over my enemies.”
Father replied tenderly, “My son, you know I love you.”
“Yes, I do know you love me and I can see some of the ways You do, but what about this area?” the man questioned further as he elaborated on every detail,
a bit more boldly. Now, that he was aware he had Father’s full attention, he was more than ready to hear His reply.
Immediately, the man was standing before the throne of heaven. His body became weak and his legs crumpled underneath him. The fear of
the Lord was all over him as he felt Holiness and Pure Love encompass his whole being. He was also vividly aware that this was the place of judgment. His body started shaking as Father began to show him areas in his own life where he was doing the same kind of things to others. The man, aware for the first time of his sin, began to cry out, “Mercy, mercy, mercy Lord! Have mercy on me! Forgive me! I forgive those who are hurting me. I let go of the bitterness in my heart. Heal me! Please, do not hold it against me or them! I understand now! I can see! They don’t know what they are doing.”
Father’s voice echoed throughout His courtroom as He issued His decree, “Done! Now, I will give you justice. I will deal with the darkness, the demonic forces in My wrath and will reveal My mercy and forgiveness to the ones who hurt you. Now, you go and show them My love and forgiveness.”
The man, humbled by what he had seen and experienced, saw that Father indeed loved him and it was by His mercy and awesome love for him that He had delayed justice. He realized that if he had received the justice he had asked for against his enemies, it would have also judged him severely. He received a whole new perspective that day. “Father, I see You are just and You don’t want any to be lost. Thank You for Your kindness to me and my family. Most of all, thank You for helping me understand that You have the whole world on Your shoulders. I only operate in my own little sphere of influence.”
© Joseph James – 02.17.12