A Wise Father
There once was a man who had many children. This man was also the most powerful, perfect individual that ever lived. As the perfect Father, he wanted for all of His children to grow up and be worthy of the inheritance that He had to offer. As His children grew and prepared to leave home He gathered them together for one last family council. There He put forth the plan, requirements, and potential challenges that lay ahead for His children as they progressed through life away from home. Being a perfectly loving and wise Father, he knew that not all of His children would be able to live up to what was asked of them to receive the inheritance He wanted to give them.
A Noble Son
The firstborn Son of this family was very close to his Father. He wanted to see the success of His brothers and sisters just as his Father did. He prepared himself and went to the Father of this great family and offered a plan so that the rest of His children would have a greater chance to come back Home. His plan was talked over, debated, and eventually chosen as the best way to make it back.The Plan Unfolds
Just as the Father predicted, His children, once away from home began to wander and forget the things that they had been taught. They began to rebel and they began to lose hope in ever making it back to the loving but just Father who had so plainly set up the way back to Him. The firstborn Son came and was the only one who was able to fill all the requirements, make all the steps, and qualify for the inheritance that the Father had hoped to give to all. Thankfully this elder brother after receiving all that his Father had to give, turned and offered to each of His brothers and sisters the chance to share with Him.This Son knew that the Father was justified in refusing His goods from the rebellious of his children. After all, He had told them of the consequences of their misdeeds. However now that the Son had access to all that the Father had, He was able to lay forth a set of conditions upon which He would share His inheritance with each of His siblings who would do what He said to do. The Father was just, the Son was merciful, they both were full of wisdom and love. They opened the door to each child to find his way back Home.
We Are the Children
The Father in this story, is God. The Firstborn Son is our brother and Savior, Jesus Christ. The children are each and every one of us. We all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). None of us could have done what our Savior volunteered to do so that if we would follow Him we could return Home one day. Our Savior has promised that if we follow Him, have faith, repent, are baptized, receive the Holy Ghost, and keep all of His commandments as best as we can, He will open the doors of Heaven to us. Not because we filled a checklist, not because we scored high enough on a test, but because our Savior loves us and is willing to forgive us of our mistakes and to save us from our sins.I know that our Father in Heaven loves us, that His son Jesus Christ was chosen to be our Savior and Redeemer. We follow Him and our good actions stem from our relationship and love for Him and His work. I know that He loves us. I know that He watches over our stumbling steps and does all He can to helps us get back to Him. I know Christ lives. I leave this with you in His name. Jesus Christ. Amen.
