The Return Home The younger son was starving and knew that he needed to get back home if he was to survive with his life. He rightfully knew that he was not worthy to be called his father’s son. He had squandered every last bit of his share in the family fortune. But what he didn’t understand was that he couldn’t earn his way back into the family either. Becoming a hired hand and working for some level of favor just can’t cut it. But many, like the younger son, still try. “I’ll do better this time, God. I’ll do more good works. I won’t do anything bad. I’ll watch my language. I’ll go to church every Sunday. I won’t gossip. I’ll pay all my taxes.” That’s not God’s way of salvation. My friends, there are no servants in God’s family, only sons and daughters, fully adopted through God’s gift of grace. Redemption is through faith alone, never by works. Though the circumstances are oftentimes terrible, it is still a life-changing blessing when someone comes to the end of their resources and realizes his or her need for God. It is only then that they are ready to experience God’s gift of eternal life—not as a servant but as child of the King. May we never forget that we are part of God’s family as His children, not as servants trying to pay his way. Thank you for your marvelous grace that makes me your child and you my Father. I will leave and return to my father and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against God and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son, but let me be like one of your servants.” ’ So the son left and went to his father. “While the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt sorry for his son. So the father ran to him and hugged and kissed him. The son said, ‘Father, I have sinned against God and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Hurry! Bring the best clothes and put them on him. Also, put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get our fat calf and kill it so we can have a feast and celebrate. My son was dead, but now he is alive again! He was lost, but now he is found!’ So they began to celebrate. (Luke 15:18-24 NCV)
Posted on: Mon, 02 Sep 2013 12:43:36 +0000
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