Luke 15:20-24 - The Grace of God

Scripture:

 

Luke 15:20-24

20 "So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.

21 "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.'

22 "But the father said to his slaves, "Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet;

23 and bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat and celebrate;

24 for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.' And they began to celebrate.
NASU

 

 

Thoughts:

 

This is the climactic moment in the parable of the prodigal son.  A story designed by Jesus to illustrate the love of God the Father, through the father in the story. 

 

This son had previously asked his father for his inheritance, that he might go on his own and enjoy "living large" as people say today, or more plainly to waste his money on "loose living."  At the end of his money, the prodigal finds himself at the bottom of his existence:

 

Luke 15:15-16

15 "So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.

16 "And he would have gladly filled his stomach with the pods that the swine were eating, and no one was giving anything to him.
NASU

He found himself in abject poverty.  So hungry, he wanted to eat the meal of the pigs.

 

So now, he has returned to his father.  Most likely dirty and stinking of the pigs he had been tending.  But note his father's response.  Rather than anger or even reserve, he models perfect forgiveness and love.  He doesn't take an "I told you so" attitude or even indignation, but welcomes his son back with great fanfare.  You can only imagine how good that hug must have felt to his son!

 

 

Prayer:

 

Thank You Lord, that you throw Your arms around me, when I come back to You after my mistakes.  Thank You that You choose to love and forgive me, cleansing me by Your own sacrifice.  Though I stink of the filth of this world, you treat me like royalty.

 

Lord, make me like You.  Too often when someone wrongs me or does wrong, I want them to experience the full consequences of it.  I want them to know how badly they have erred.

 

Forgive me Lord.  This is not consistent with how You treat me.  I should likewise forgive.  Remove any vengefulness from my heart.  Replace it with Your love and grace.

 

Amen

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.