JESUS SPEAKING
Then He said: “A certain man had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So he divided to them his livelihood. And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want. Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything. But when he had came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger. I will arise and go to my Father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your servants.”‘ “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. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the Father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us make merry; for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry.” (Luke 15: 11 – 24)
FAITHFUL THOUGHTS
In this parable, the prodigal Son (representing sinners), is afforded the freedom to leave his father (representing God), and live according to his own sinful desires. Eventually, in the midst of great suffering, he chooses to return to his heavenly Father, expecting to be treated as a servant. And yet his return is cause for celebration. God the Father feels tremendous heartache for those who are lost in sin, and rejoices when they repent and return to Him.
Concerning God’s affection, we read in Ezekiel 33: 11, “Say unto them, as I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live.” Additionally, in Jeremiah 48: 31, God says, “Therefore I will wail for Moab, and I will cry out for Moab; I will mourn for the men of Kir Heres.” Although the nation of Moab was eventually destroyed in judgement, we know that God was saddened by the loss of so many souls.
If we endeavor to share God’s heart, then we must also love those who are lost in sin. As Christians, we are chosen messengers of the Gospel, which is a love letter from God to mankind; a sweet offering of salvation and reconciliation through the sacrifice of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. May we share God’s heart in all things, which includes His love for those who are lost.
“Lord Heavenly Father, may we be one in Spirit with You at all times. May we share Your thoughts and desires as we seek to serve others. May we continue in Your word and be strengthened and equipped to accomplish whatever ministry you have called us to. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!
