Unworthy

Verses 18 and 19 of Luke 15 act as a sort of caution against a certain type of thinking. They are the thoughts that immediately come to the prodigal son after he has come to his senses, and realizes he has greatly dishonored his father. He knows now he needs forgiveness, and his life can be immensely better if he draws near to the father. The next thoughts he has are ones we can often have when we realize our own depravity, and we want to come to the Lord. Verses 18 and 19 say:

“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 hired servants.”

The son is ashamed, and in his shame he does not feel like he really deserves the forgiveness of the father. He doesn’t feel like he is worthy of the position he once held, and he will be satisfied holding some lowly place in his father’s house. We can feel this same way when we turn from our evil ways, and think we don’t deserve the grace we know God can offer us. This way of thinking is a trap set by Satan, and by our own insecurities.

Sometimes we really mess up just like the prodigal son did. Often we realize our need for forgiveness, and our need for God, but we are ashamed to ask for it. We don’t feel like we deserve forgiveness. We don’t deserve to be in God’s presence, and the best thing we can do is spend the rest of our lives hiding from him in the hopes He will spare us His wrath, for His wrath is just what we deserve.

This is true. His wrath is all we deserve, but that is not what God offers us. No matter how we’ve fallen, or how we’ve sinned the Lord wants to forgive us. Jesus died on the cross for that, and that shows just how screwed up God knows we are. He knows of the many evil things we’ve done, and He wants to save us. Don’t let your mistakes consume you, and convince you that you cannot rise to the same position God once had in store for you. Do not think that you cannot be forgiven. Overcome your shame, ask for forgiveness, and go the Lord. He did a lot so you could be forgiven. Don’t allow your sin to destroy you. Don’t let your mistakes consume you. Instead go to God, accept His forgiveness, and accept the great things He has planned for you.