His story is like so many I've heard which compares to the story of the PRODIGAL SON. In Luke 15, we get a glimpse of an AMAZING story, that is probably heard so often that it goes in one ear and out the other. (Luke 15:11-14; 17-20)
In essence, when the Prodigal son returned home, his father didn't run and greet him with a list of RULES, EXPECTATIONS, REGULATIONS and GUILT. His father RAN TO HIM and EMBRACED him.
What a picture of GRACE.
- Grace doesn't heap burdens.
- Grace releases them.
- Grace doesn't tighten restrictions.
- Grace frees prodigals to receive joy.
- Grace doesn't bind with chains
- Grace loosens bonds.
When you read this passage...DON'T OVERLOOK the beauty and depth it reveals!
- Grace is there when you've squandered your life.
- Grace is there when you've destroyed relationships.
- Grace is there when you've walked away from those that love you.
- Grace is there when you've messed up.
- Grace is there when you've held on to bitterness.
- Grace is there even when you've spit in the face of those who love you the most.
The prodigal son DESERVED to be
- Cut off from the family.
- Left out in the cold.
- Shut off from all blessings.
- Condemnation.
- Shame.
And YET...his father smiles and says "You were dead, but now you're alive. You were lost, but now you're found. You. Are. My. Son!"
Did you see it?
This is exactly what God does for each of us when we come to Him!
- God rewrites YOUR STORY.
- God changes THE ENDING.
- God gives you a NEW NAME.
What a picture of God's LOVE and GRACE! When the prodigal son returned home, his loving father came RUNNING towards him with arms OPEN and full of JOY!
Friend, no matter where you are today...broken by life, the choices of others or your own...God's arms are OPEN to you!
What a FATHER...
What a SAVIOR...
What a FRIEND...
Run to JESUS and receive the EMBRACE of GRACE!