Devotionals

Returning to the Father

by Denise Ferrell
05/24/17
Free to Share

  Message Writer
  Hire Writer

Tweet

“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!  I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.  I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’  So he got up and went to his father.”  (Luke 15:17-20a / NIV)

“The Prodigal Son” has been a topic of many church sermons.  The son took his inheritance, moved to a distant country, and lived life with little restraint.  When his wealth was spent, there was a famine in the land.  He secured a job feeding pigs but was still hungry.  No one offered him anything.  Long story short, he determined to return to his father, and his father welcomed him with open arms.

The majority of “prodigal son” sermons emphasize the child’s return to his father and his father’s glad acceptance.  But there are two other crucial components worthy of note:  [1] the son confessed his sins (verse 18), and [2] he humbled himself and repented (verse 19).  Similarly, when we confess our sins to the Father and humble ourselves before Him, He’s faithful to forgive us.  If we genuinely regret our sinful state, we should desire to repent (change) and live a life pleasing to God.  Call on Jesus – He’s waiting.

Lord, we have all been a prodigal.  Help us humble ourselves and turn back to you.  For those who don’t know you, draw them to Yourself.  Amen.