The Prodigal Son

I have been reading Ruth Graham’s book “Fear Not Tomorrow, God is Already There: Trusting Him in Uncertain Times”.  Yesterdays’ chapter was “Embrace His Forgiveness” and tells the story of the Prodigal Son. The son who leaves his fathers home after demanding his inheritance and cutting himself off from his family.  Things don't go well for him, he lives irresponsibly, runs out of money, creates enemies.  He has hit rock bottom, things can't get worse. Have you been there?  He decided to return home and ask for forgiveness.  His father had been watching the road, and sees his son and runs to him.
But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son. Luke 15:20-21
As Graham says “What an incredible picture of forgiveness, as the father embraces the son, there is no condemnation, no blaming, no judging only unconditional love.
God promises us forgiveness when we come to Him in repentance.  His grace draws, and when we embrace His love and forgiveness, believing that He has accepted us, we experience completeness of His grace. 

The story of the Prodigal Son is a very real thing to me, someone who decided to “run away” from home aged 19 I know all about embracing God’s forgiveness and learning to understand that God is a forgiver, however I and many others often don’t feel worthy of this forgiveness.  He has seen us in our brokenness but he still loves us.

After reading about the Prodigal Son in the morning I opened “Our Daily Bread Devotional” and what did I find for the 31st of March, Luke 15 verse 20.  Yes, just what I had been reading in the morning.   I think yesterday I was meant to hear this message loud and clear - and once again the message was:

“We have all been like the son in this story, who had other plans in his or her life than what his father had for him.  We have all run away from our heavenly Father, but He welcomes us when we come to Him.”  He wants to give to us, feed us, sustain us, care for us, nurture us and grow us even if we have run away from Him for a time.

O Lord, I now admit my guilt,
And accept Your grace;
Transform my life and help my grow
Until I see Your face.  --Hess 

Comments

  1. This is what I love most about you Jo--- your faith.

    Vicki

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  2. This is a beautiful post - thank you for sharing x

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  3. I love the parable of the prodigal son. I am always touched by the imagery of the Father who daily stood out the front of his home and looked eagerly for the return of his son. Of course, this Father represents our Heavenly Dad.

    What a beautiful gift of forgiveness He bestows on us...

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  4. Yes, I'm so thankful for a merciful, forgiving heavenly Father.

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  5. Hi Jo,
    This parable also touched me deeply, as I was that prodigal son, too.

    I love reading Our Daily Bread, as the illustrations are pertinent to who we are and where we've been.

    Have a wonderful and blessed Easter,
    Love, Jillian ♥

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  6. As I read your post, I couldn't help but be reminded of myself ... all my life trying to keep God far away and not realizing my need of Him and His forgiveness for my sin.

    It brings a smile to my lips and peace and joy to my heart as I remember the day I realized He died for me, my Lord the King ~ what amazing love and grace!!

    Blessings to you -

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