Grace for the Prodigal
Today’s Reading: Luke 15:11-32
Focal Verse: Luke 15:20
“And he arose and came to his father. 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.”
If you went out on the streets and asked people if they believed in God, the majority would say “yes”. Most people understand that something greater than themselves made this world. They just don’t want to admit their need for God. They think they can take care of and run their life on their own.
God made us wonderfully and gave us minds and bodies capable of great things. Each of us will come upon a time, though, when we realize that isn’t enough. The difference is what decision we make in that moment. When we come to the end of ourselves, when we are wallowing in the muck of this world and we realize our hearts are like this muck, we are faced with a decision. Will we still insist on running our own lives (Mark 10:17-22), or will we confess our sin and run to the Savior?
I love the part where the son begins to come home. The father doesn’t sit there and wait! While his son is still far off, the father goes to him…just like God does with us.
Amidst this beautiful story of grace is an ugly fact. The older brother, who was faithful to the father, resents the attention the father gives to the prodigal son. Sometimes believers act the same. Instead of rejoicing with the Lord over a repentant sinner, we act like we resent that they broke into “the club” (Matthew 20:1-16). We think things like, “They ought to be sorry after the life they have led,” or, “I’ve been faithful all of my life. He doesn’t deserve that position. He lived an awful life before now.” Believers sometimes forget that they needed, and still need, the Savior’s forgiveness as much as anyone.
Rejoice with your Savior over the prodigal son. Cook the feast. Help to clothe him by teaching him what God has already taught you. Show that you are a child of God.
Are you following the example of your Father in welcoming the “prodigals” of this world, or are you more like the other son?
With God’s help, this very day begin to use what God has taught you in your life to encourage others.
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