As I have been given the opportunity and privilege to share the Scriptures with incarcerated individuals each week, I from time-to-time tell them that I am in as much need of God’s grace today as when I first believed. I want them to know forgiveness is possible and they can have hope. I want them to understand that though there are consequences they have to accept for whatever brought them to where they are, God is willing to completely forgive and that it is the eternal decision of His Court that matters most.
How many have asked or felt, “How could God ever forgive me for what I have done.” Has that thought ever arisen in your mind? In telling the story of the lost son (Luke 15:11-32), Jesus wanted His listeners and us to understand the Father is willing.
As the lost son found himself worse off than the pigs he was feeding (Luke 15:16), he remembered home. Deciding to humble himself and return to his father, he rehearsed what he would say where we read. . .
“(18) ‘I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. (19) I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.” ’ ” (Luke 15:18-19 ESV)
On his return — as he was drawing near — his father saw him, ran to meet him, and compassionately embraced and kissed him. (Luke 15:20) But as the son began his penitent speech, he did not say all he had planned because the father appeared to cut him off after expressing “I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” (Luke 15:21) Clearly the Father was not going to leave him there!
What our Lord noted in His parable was the father’s readiness to restore full sonship. (Luke 15:22-24) What a beautiful and encouraging picture! It is what we are to acknowledge about our Heavenly Father; He is eager for our return to Him so He can restore us in Christ with the full rights of being in His family.
John encouragingly wrote. . .
“(7) But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. (8) If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (9) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:7-9 ESV)
The power of the blood of Christ is powerful enough to deal with all our sins. Through Christ we have the adequate provision of restoration to where the Father wants us. He can forgive! He will forgive! Knowing that, let the wanderer not question but be willing to come to their senses (i.e. Luke 15:17) and return to the One eager to restore!
Have a great day ENCOURAGINGLY DRAWN TO THE FATHER’S EAGER EMBRACE!
Carl
