Susan and I spent the holiday weekend with Kinsey and Karlyn at the beach. Two-year-old Owen was there, as was his baby sister who is waiting to be born. Perhaps there is nothing we enjoy more these days than having fellowship with our children.
One evening in July, Taylor came to see me in the hospital. We talked a long time… about family, kids, school, coaching, and memories. I felt great while we visited, but after he left the chills and fevers returned. That sleepless night, God impressed upon me the joy of fellowship He has with His children.
We know there is great benefit in prayer. We make our requests, we intercede for others, and we ask for blessing. But fellowship involves a different dimension of prayer life. If Taylor had simply entered my hospital room, asked for things he wanted me to do for him then exited, I would have felt a little sad. Of course I would have loved my son, but I might have wondered why he didn’t want to hang out a little longer.
That night I also realized how many decisions I make without ever consulting the One who knows all. I was thinking of a particular situation when it seemed the Lord said: “If you had asked Me, I would have said…” This was not a rebuke and there was not an ounce of condemnation, but it made me realize that, though the Creator of the universe constantly invites me to His throne, I rarely take advantage.
It is not uncommon for Taylor, Kinsey, or Karlyn to call for a little advice. “Dad, here’s the dilemma… what would you do?” They want know what I think. When Jesus went by Himself to pray, He must have spent much of His time listening and watching. “I tell you the truth, the Son can only do what He sees the Father doing, for whatever the Father does the Son also does.” (John 5:19) “Whatever I say is just what the Father has told Me to say.” (John 12:50)
Empowered by the Holy Spirit, Jesus’ teachings, His good works, and His love flowed from constant fellowship with His Father. “Lord, help us not forget to sit at Your feet and listen and learn. Thank you for offering us fellowship with You.”
“It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from Him comes to Me.” (John 6:45)