Luke 15:28b

"... his father came out and pleaded with him."

The ole "wolf-whistle". That three-toned high-pitched screech from Dad's lips that went from mid-range, to low-range to high-range was distinctive. And it was a sure-fire way to get the three of us kids off the playground and into the house for dinner. No response or too slow a response yielded a result none of us wanted to face. That was a command, which every parent has a right to demand from their children.

A condescension of pleading; o' what a different matter. Stooping, lowering, begging, asking, imploring, and entreating are not the common queries of a father. "You will be saved and I demand that you do so now!" God is God, and He could insist and force His way into my being. Hardly seems like love, and that's what He is. "God is love." (I John 4:8; I John 4:16)

Tenderness, compassion, sensitivity, patience, and forbearance are also not what I think of when I consider the stereotypical character traits of a dad. Possession is one thing, but expression? It's not manly! But what's manly? And who sets the standard for "manliness"?

There's but one God (cf. I Timothy 2:5) and one standard. His way is not my way, although it should be. All are "with" Him always until the last beat of the heart. Being with someone and in someone are not the same. I am in Jesus and He in me. (cf. Galatians 2:20)

The Father's ironic humility wells up tears in these eyes. O' that all could see it, hear it, feel it, touch it, taste it, and know it. He wants in. How could we refuse Him? "In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us...". (I John 4:10a)