It is easy to tell that the son is shocked by the joy his father shows at his return. He knows he doesn’t deserve it, and initially tries to reject it. This is shown in Luke 15:21:
“And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.”
Even though the father has shown the son his love he is still absorbed by the sins he committed. He still considers himself unworthy. We can be the same way with God, and tell Him we do not deserve His forgiveness. Verses 22-24 shows us that the father, and our Father, will have none of that:
“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 be merry; for my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry.”
The father is joyful to have his son back, and will pay no attention to his talking about how unworthy he is. This father has offered him ultimate grace, and rejoices that his son that was lost is found. God is the same way.
God knows we have sinned. He knows we are depraved. He doesn’t care. He offers us grace. He forgives, and forgets. If we will just come to Him then He will come to us. He will celebrate because we have come to Him. He will bless us in immeasurable ways we do not deserve, and not hold our previous evil acts against us.
Do not hold onto shame. That feeling of shame is a weapon used by the enemy to bring us back down to his level again. Let go of the shame, of the anger toward yourself, and of the self-loathing. God will have none of it. Accept His grace, and know there is a God in heaven that loves you, and will rejoice because His child has come to Him. Love Him, and know you are loved in return.
One last, unrelated note. Have a Merry Christmas! Whether with familes or apart remember this is a celebration of the great gift we were given in the form of Jesus Christ. That is always a good reason to celebrate. Merry Christmas!
No comments:
Post a Comment