Shameless Love - Part I

It's been a while since I've had anything in particular to say, but this evening, my head and heart feel an impending explosion if I don't take a few minutes to write things down, so here goes...

This Sunday past I heard a sermon on Luke 15: 11-31, commonly referred to the "Parable of the Prodigal (or lost) Son." It would be more correct to call it the "Parable of the Father's Love" or something like that, because the focus of the story is the Father and his astounding - even shameless- love. Interestingly, the father in the story is dreadfully insulted by both sons - not only the one that went away and wasted his inheritance (For a full treatment of the parable see Kenneth Bailey's work).

Shamelessness is a predominant characteristic of God's love throughout the biblical narrative. He is continually forgiving, accepting, offering mercy and grace. Think of the story of Hosea who's told to marry a prostitute. Why? Hosea's life is an analog of God's love and forgiveness for the people of Israel, who continually run after others, rather than remain faithful to God, the rightful husband.

There is a part of each of us (I think) that longs for reconciliation like this - reconciliation with God - and reconciliation with one another. Have you received this kind of shameless love? Have you given it?

I'm NOT referring to neurotic or co-dependant love - the kind that reaches out to the other out of sense of personal neediness. Instead, this is a love for the person alone - not for anything the person brings to the table. I'm afraid that many folks today have no experience of receiving love like this. Not only do others expect us to bring something to a relationship - we expect it of ourselves (I know that I like to think that I bring value into my relationships). How about loving someone just for themselves? How about being loved just because you're you?

When Martin Luther baptized babies, he would hold the infant up in front of the congregation and say, "See what love the Father has for us, that we should be called His children, but so we are." It's perfectly clear the a baby isn't bringing anything to God - not even his or her faith, but God loves and receives the child anyway. He loves and receives you that way too. He's not interested in you because you're beautiful, intelligent, witty, fashionable, rich, or whatever. He doesn't need anything from you (or me). His shameless, searching, redeeming love reaches out to us because for some reason, he loves us - just for us. What incredibly good news!