JANUARY 29 From a Long Way Off So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. Luke 15:20, NASB What a beautiful scene of reconciliation. The lost son was welcomed home with the full love and warmth of his gracious father. No grudges. No recriminations. No reminders of what he had done. No accusations. It is the devil that accuses humans; it is God who loves and redeems us. When you feel accusation in your heart, it is from satan, not God. Our conscience might call us to repentance, but when we hear “God is through with you,” it is from the enemy. The son started to tell his father of the plan he had come up with to earn his way back into the family: “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son” (v. 21). But before he could volunteer as a servant, his father gave orders: “Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet; and bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found” (vv. 22–23). A celebration broke out! That’s how God treats a prodigal who comes home. He throws a party! What a wonderful picture of God’s desire for the church. When a sinner comes to know God—and yes, when a believer who has fallen into sin is comes to know God—and yes, when a believer who has fallen into sin is restored—it’s celebration time. No accusations. No reminders. Just pure joy and celebration that the prodigal has come home. Father, give me your heart of joy when the lost come home to you. Help me to never give up on the one who seems so far away from you! Zschech, Darlene (2013-03-15). Revealing Jesus: A 365-Day Devotional (Kindle Locations 828-835). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
Posted on: Wed, 29 Jan 2014 14:47:03 +0000
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