Listen to Jesus’s words about the prodigal Luke 15:18-24 NLT I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.”’“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’ “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.
Jesus told this parable for us to get a visual picture of the depth and devotion of God’s love, to visualize the level of grace and mercy available to us. No matter what we have done in the past, our decision today to come to Him can end in a restored and redeemed future.
Is there something that you are carrying in your life that you feel ashamed of right now?
The most powerful scene in this story is that the father was watching the road for his child to come home. His heart was fixed on seeking his child.
Listen again this time from the Message Bible:
“When he was still a long way off, his father saw him. His heart pounding, he ran out, embraced him, and kissed him. The son started his speech: ‘Father, I’ve sinned against God, I’ve sinned before you; I don’t deserve to be called your son ever again.’
“But the father wasn’t listening. He was calling to the servants, ‘Quick. Bring a clean set of clothes and dress him. Put the family ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Then get a prize-winning heifer and roast it. We’re going to feast! We’re going to have a wonderful time! My son is here—given up for dead and now alive! Given up for lost and now found!’ And they began to have a wonderful time. (Luke 15:20, 22-24 NLT) Always remember, God is watching, not to judge, but to love.
But here’s an important question:
Have you, will you, receive His love, His gifts?
Will you allow yourself to FEEL the celebration your Father is throwing for you? And allow yourself to let go of the failures and sin that kept your from Him? He is not interested in revisiting your shortcomings. He is celebrating your return to his arms. He runs to you. Not reluctant of hesitant - but full of excitement - Yes, that’s right. He is excited, happy, full of joy to have you close.
Let’s thank Him together: “Father, thank You for meeting me on my road, for loving me, giving me Your gifts and Your life, and a home forever. As above, so below. Amen”