Luke, I am your father

“Luke, I am your father” is arguably one of the most famous lines in the history of American movies. Darth Vader, one of the most wicked and vile villains ever to grace the silver screen, is standing over a beaten Luke Skywalker on a platform in Cloud City in George Lucas’ "Return of the Jedi". Darth Vader jesters down to Luke and uttered those famous words that had us gasping in horror... “Luke, I am your father.”

Up until that moment we were willing to accept that Darth Vader was evil and wicked. We were willing to accept that he was unbeatable and heartless. But we were not ready to accept that Darth Vader was Luke Skywalker’s father. After all, Luke was the only active Jedi in the war against the Empire (remember, Yoda was retired in the swamp) and was brave and passionate. He was the good guy. What did he do to deserve to have a father like Darth Vader? Poor Luke. I am sure that he dreaded the annual father-son Jedi picnic every year.

Once again Father’s Day is upon us. This year as you think about your father, ask yourself if you would be honored to have your father say “[insert your name here], I am your father.” Would you be filled with pride and honor at having your father state his relationship to you? Or would you be repulsed and horrified with the revelation that this man standing before you is your father?

Regardless of what type of father you had growing up, all of us have another father standing over us. He is extending his hand, not in a hateful or threatening way, but in a loving, longing way. While we are lying there beaten and defeated, he is saying, not in a husky, hostile voice, but in a loving, caring tone that “[insert your name here], I am your father.”

The problem is that too many of us do not see the loving side of God the Father. In fact, many of us have no idea that we even have a spiritual father. This year as you search for the words and actions to tell your earthly father that you love him, think about your spiritual father, the Lord of the universe, who is standing there desperately wishing you to acknowledge your relationship to Him and His Son Jesus. Ask yourself, “Why won’t I accept that God is my father”?

Wait.... I think I hear God talking to you; he is saying once again “Luke, I am your father.” What is your response?