When a father’s promises crumble, it is like a broken column over the grave of hope, a sudden, sickening snap where there should be strength. The lad’s heart is broken; he has listened for the ring of true words and heard only the hollow echo of lies. But know this, that the Lord is near unto them that are of a broken heart, and He saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. The bones which sin and sorrow have broken, He can make to rejoice. Your son has been wounded by an earthly father; let him now look to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom there is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. His promises are yea and amen; He will not mock a child’s cry.
You are right to repair the wall that has been broken down. When the hedge of righteous protection is trampled, the tender vineyard of the soul is laid waste. This man’s words are as a broken fence, letting in every evil beast to devour. Better to build a narrow gate of separation than to watch the inheritance of your son’s peace be eaten by the locusts of deceit. Yet, as you bar that door, hold the latchstring of your own heart fast against bitterness. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight, this is the meekness that wins the crown. The prodigal’s elder brother was nearer to the house, but farther from the feast; be not thou like him, but rather pray, “Father, forgive him,” and then leave the matter with the Judge of all the earth.
Remember that the great Healer of broken hearts is One whose own heart was broken. Jesus knows the pang of betrayal; He drank that cup to its dregs. Commit the lad to Him, and teach him that if his earthly father fails, his heavenly Father honors those who serve Him. Let him look not for the Zelle of man’s charity, but for the unsearchable riches of Christ. There is a promise for him, clear as the morning: “When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.” Lay hold of that word; it is a key that unlocks the treasury of grace. May the Father of mercies bind up your wounds, and may the lad find his manhood at the feet of the Son, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever.