Overview of: LukeToday's Reading:
Luke 15:11-32
"The Welcoming Father"
Focus Verses: Luke 15:7
20 So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
Insight:
This story is most often called "The Parable of the Prodigal Son." I guess that makes sense since the story line follows the son, and most of us probably identify more strongly with the son.
The main idea of the story, however, seems to be centered in the character of the father. He was willing to let the son leave him. He longed for the son to come to his senses and be restored. He ran to welcome the son when he returned. He rejoiced and threw a party to celebrate being reunited with his estranged son. It was like receiving his son back from the dead!
Response and Action:
I recognize that God has give me the freedom to honor and serve him, or to wander and reject him. I believe that when I turn away from him, he longs for me to return and be restored. I want to have the wisdom to come home to God and to live for him. I must give thanks to God for his goodness in extending forgiveness and reconciliation to me. I will share God's love for my brothers and sisters who are wandering. With God, I long for them to come home and find their place in his family. When they return, I will run alongside God to welcome them. I will celebrate their restoration and renewal.
Old Testament for Today: Lam. 3:40
40 Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD.
In Context: Lamentations 3
Proverb for Today: Prov. 3:11-12
"My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in."
Recommended Reading:
Coming Home to Your True Self: Leaving the Emptiness of False Attractions
by Albert Haase
