May 22, 2019

May 22

Running With Jesus

Luke 15:20-23 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet 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 unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.  But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:  And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:

     The prodigal son story is a story we have heard preached from so many angles! The angle I love the most is my own version, when I realized and came to my senses! Have you come to yours? I am so humbled by this story because we all are eating hog rations and living in the pigpen of sin until we wake up and run.   When we see his compassion it should motivate us how to respond when our child returns home and others who stray.  Notice if you read the whole story he was repentant and said he was sorry. The father forgave him but also he didn't give up on his son, he watched the road and waited everyday for his return. The son was forgiven before he even asked for it! Forgiveness is already there just waiting for us to come and get it. God loves us unconditionally and as His child we should love in the same way! Be willing to allow others to make mistakes and when they repent or ask forgiveness give them the same grace and mercy we receive from God. If we all got what we deserve, it would be hell.

      Notice forgiveness was already there, the prodigal had to receive it. So let's imitate the father go ahead and forgive the one who needs it before they ask for it. This will keep the chains off of your heart!

 Father, thank You for receiving this prodigal girl and loving her. Give me Your Spirit that enables me to have forgiveness stored and waiting to pour it out on others!

Tomorrow: Little things.

Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015