Daily Devotion: A Welcome Return

Scripture:
Luke 15: 11-24

Main Verse:
Luke 15: 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.

Observation:
The parable of the prodigal son is a well-loved story taught in most Christian schools. It teaches us the consequences of wasting our fortune on unnecessary things but more importantly it tells the story of a loving father who openly welcomed back a child who has left him for a life of freedom. Verse 20 shows us how the father was "filled with compassion" when he saw his son. The father, whose son has left him, whose son has asked for the share of his estate, whose son has caused him grief, has come back. Yet, in spite of what the son has done, he did not feel any anger. He was filled with joy, he "ran to his son and threw his arms around him and kissed him" because his son has finally returned to him. Perhaps the father already had it in his mind that if his son returned, he would gladly accept him back in his household.

Application:
The parable of the prodigal son reminds us that no matter how sinful our lives have been, and even though we have forgotten the Lord, the Lord never forgets us. If we come back to Him, the Lord will receive us warmly. But in order for the Lord to forgive us and welcome us back to his home, we must realize that we have sinned against him. In verse 17 of Luke 15, the prodigal son came to his senses. He realized that leaving his father's side has gotten him into a life of misery and trouble. Sometimes, we are like the prodigal son. We decide to live a life far from God, not realizing that without God, our lives will have no sense of direction. God has given us free will to act in whatever way we want, but we should come to our senses and realize that apart from God, we are nothing. The Lord does not want us to have a life of waste. If the Lord is calling you right now, do not harden your heart. Listen to him and return. The Lord will welcome you with open arms.

Prayer:
Father, thank you for your compassionate nature, for forgiving me, and for welcoming me back to your household. May I live a life that serves you as my way of showing gratitude for what you have done for me. AMEN.