The Love of a Father

I have been blessed to witness the great love of a father for his child. Over the last few months, a dear friend of mine has lived in a world of uncertainty and mystery. His now 7 month old son was diagnosed with a liver disease that prevents his liver from functioning properly. After much investigation the diagnosis was revealed. Micah's liver didn't form correctly and it couldn't proper dispose of his waste. Stints were surgically inserted to help open up the ducts to help promote proper function but this was to no avail. Now, his father watches on as his son slowly declines in health and grows weaker and weaker, sicker and sicker.

The only option now is for a donor to emerge and transplant the diseased liver for one that is healthy and will promote life. As no livers became available the only other option was for a living donor transplant. A live person must give up a portion of his own liver so that Micah might live.

The love of a father is deep. A true father would do all that is within his power to help his child live. Justin did just that. Going through many tests and scans Justin began a process to donate a portion of his own liver so that his son might have a chance to live and continue to grow. Through his actions, Justin has said "My child, I will do whatever it takes to make you healthy and give you life, even if it means I endure pain and possible death. I love you."

Justin's story echoed in my heart the great love of God the Father as He saw mankind, His creation, riddled with the disease of sin, which will lead to inevitable death if not cured. Out of His great love He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, who endured pain, torture, and death so that we might be internally healed from the death grip of sin. You see, Christ on the cross looked out over mankind and said "I love you. You are dying because of the disease within you and it will kill you unless something is done about it. I will endure the pain and death so that you might be healed and live. If you believe in me I will live in you."

The love of Justin for his son Micah is a great testimony of the even greater love of God the Father for us. Praise be to God the Father for sending the Son to take the punishment and pain of sin for us so that we might live by the power of the Holy Spirit within us.