Outrageous; God Will forgive and Restore you (The Remix)



‘Father, I have sinned.’
Luke 15:18

The Prodigal Son’s story begins like this: ‘There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, “Father, give me my share of the estate.” So he divided his property between them. Not long after … the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and … squandered his wealth in wild living’ (vv. 11-13 NIV 2011 Edition). This young man’s sin was bad, really bad! 

In a Middle Eastern patriarchal society the disrespect he demonstrated towards his father is beyond what most of us can relate to. 

As the younger son he was entitled to a third of the family estate, but only after his father’s death. So in a sense he was sending a message to his dad, saying, ‘I wish you were dead’’. If you think that’s shocking, his father’s response of love and grace is even more shocking.

How often do we walk away from God, perhaps even deep down wishing that He didn’t want certain things for us, so that we could go our own way? Even just subconsciously. If you’ve been there, and want to return like the son did or if you have failed God badly, today’s reading is for you.

When his boy came back home - broke, busted, and disgusted - the Bible says, ‘While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms round him and kissed him’ (v. 20 NIVUK 2011 Edition). 

In that culture fathers never ran. A proud patriarch would never hitch up his garments, bare his legs, and run - ever! The point Jesus wanted to make is this: The moment you turn around and come back to God, He will run to meet you with open arms, forgive your sin, and restore you to your rightful place in His family. 

Jesus knew as He told this parable that the father’s extravagance was outrageous. And that was 100% on purpose. He wants us to draw between the dad’s reaction, and God’s.
How outrageously have you sinned against God? Jesus sees it, and He wants you to know that He WILL meet you with an even more outrageous grace. So, come today!

What now?
Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and ask God to remind you that He keeps no record of when you’ve wronged Him. Kept any records of things that you’ve done wrong? (Diary, email, often-returned-to memory.) Make today the day you get rid of it.

Source: Word for Today & Word For You Today

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