Have you ever read the story of The Prodigal Son in the bible? Let me summarize it. In Luke 15:11-31 Jesus tells the story of a son who left his rich father’s house, lived recklessly, lost it all, and then returned humbly asking his father’s forgiveness.
This son also had an older brother who seemed to do everything right. When his brother learned that his father had compassion and celebrated the prodigal son, he was angry. He thought it was unfair and that his brother did not deserve forgiveness or grace.
I don’t know about you but have you ever thought you wanted something, prayed about it, got it but then regretted it?
Throughout the years, in my relationship with God, He has always been gracious and compassionate towards me and He always redeems me. Recently, I left a job that I had prayed to God for, for another one that seemed like a great idea. I prayed before I made my decision and God opened the door for me to experience this new opportunity. I have learned that God will sometimes give us what we ask for, even if it’s not necessarily His choice for us.
While at the new job, I realized very quickly that I made a mistake because among other things, my commute had tripled from what I was used to.
Once again I prayed to God and asked Him for direction. He put in my heart to return to the job I actually wanted to be in to begin with. God uses people and in my case, the leaders in the company I work for were very gracious to me and welcomed me back without hesitation. I felt like the prodigal daughter! I am so thankful to God and to them! It is a reminder to me of God’s great love for me.
In the same way, the story that Jesus told about the prodigal son represents who God is. He is love, He shows us compassion, grace, forgiveness, and salvation.
Sometimes it is hard to believe that God is willing to accept us back after all the mistakes we have made. But whether we believe it or not, there is nothing we can do that will stop God from loving us. The bible says that God loves us so much that He sent His only Son to die for our sins (John 3:16).
It does not matter how far away we have gone from Him. God desires for us to repent of our sins and return to Him. Once we do, He restores us completely and will once again give us another opportunity and entrust us with all that belongs to Him.
Now not everyone will be in your corner or be happy about your growth or blessings, just like the older brother in the story. Although the prodigal son’s sins were obvious and the older son’s sins were not so obvious since he seemed to do everything right, they both had to be redeemed.
The bible tells us in Luke 15:28 that when the brother was angry, … his father went out and pleaded with him. The father had compassion and love for both sons!
That’s good to remember because although some people might be obsessed with whether or not you are worthy to receive grace, God still loves both you and them! We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).
The bible tells us that God is patient with us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). He desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4).
Be encouraged!
Luke 15:7 NIV
I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
