February 23
Who is the Saviour?
“For this my son was dead and is alive again” —Luke 15:24
Read Luke 15:20-32
The prodigal was on his way home. Undoubtedly, he often rehearsed the words that he would speak to his father: “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants” (vs. 18,19). Let us observe how the father reacted to this confession. He did not stand as a judge at the door, ready to condemn his son and to hand out some stiff punishment before he could come to speaking terms with him.
Maybe your father would have initially reacted like that. However, despite showing anger, parents are often filled with joy when a wayward son or daughter returns home again. The father in our Scripture passage expressed more love than many fathers do. We read in verse 20: “But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion.” Every day he was looking to see if his son would return. And this is what God the Father in heaven does: He looks to see whether prodigal sons and daughters are returning. The Lord also looks out for your return.
The father in our parable did not wait until his son returned, but “ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him” (v. 20). This was such a miracle! The son had never expected to be received home again, and at the very least thought he would receive a severe reprimand. But instead, his father ran to meet him, fell on his neck and kissed him. It is as if the father put his hand on his son’s mouth and said, “It is enough; I am so happy that you are back.” All those who return unto the Lord will also experience this forgiveness. Confess your sins to Him, for He knows what lives in your heart. He will take you in His arms when you sincerely ask for His forgiveness. How does this take place, you ask? When He grants comfort through His Word, calming the storms in your heart.
What do you think of the father’s response?
This devotional was taken from “The Time of Your Life” a daily devotional published by the Youth & Educational Committee of the FRC. To order a printed copy of this book, contact: bookorders@frcna.org.