"Luke, I Am Your Father!" (part 1 of 2)

In the "Star Wars" series, as Luke Skywalker was encouraged by Darth Vader to "come over to the dark side", Luke was faced with a possibility he did not want to accept; that Darth Vader was actually HIS FATHER. Luke struggled because he saw no KINDRED SPIRIT between them. He and Darth Vader were from opposing sides. Luke refused to align himself with the "dark side".

John recorded a conversation Jesus had with some Jews who would not accept the reality of who He was. In the course of the conversation Jesus made a statement regarding THEIR FATHER which was also a notion they did not want to accept. These Jews claimed Abraham as THEIR FATHER ( John 8:39). However, Jesus pointed out that their actions were not in line with the actions of Abraham. Then they laid claim to God as THEIR ONLY FATHER ( John 8:41) to which Jesus responded. . .

"(42) . . . 'IF GOD WERE YOUR FATHER, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me.'" ( John 8:42 ESV)

Jesus then went on to point out who THEIR FATHER was and why.

"(44) You are of YOUR FATHER THE DEVIL, and your will is to do YOUR FATHER'S DESIRES. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the FATHER OF LIES. (45) But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. (46) Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? (47) Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that YOU ARE NOT OF GOD." ( John 8:44-47 ESV)

These were truly on the "dark side" as their actions were aligned with the devil. They rejected the truth and desired to get rid of Jesus. Though they refused to accept the fact they had a KINDRED SPIRIT with the devil, it was true. Their actions revealed they had gone over to the "dark side".

The "dark side" still beckons. It appeals to selfish desires and distorts the truth so as to deceive and lead away from it. So, with whom do we have A KINDRED SPIRIT? Who is OUR FATHER? If it truly is our HEAVENLY FATHER, let us make certain our focus is centered on accepting His Will and Word so that our actions will be aligned with our claim?

Have a great day living for the FATHER WE CLAIM!
Carl

[tomorrow: "The Light Side"]
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[This focus was originally sent 05/25/1999 (Edited some with passages changed to ESV)]

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