Saturday, October 27, 2012

Restoration



This is a continuation of the third story that Jesus shares in Luke 15.
They are all connected with a central theme of finding things that are lost. We hear The Parable of the Lost Son (continued) in Luke 15:11-20b: “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. 21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

Do you see what the father is doing?

He’s inviting the whole village to share his joy. He doesn’t want the son only to be reconciled to him; he wants him to be reconciled to the whole village. He wants everyone to have a relationship with his son. This is a story that no one could have anticipated. When the son is found, the father throws a huge party to celebrate his return. Why? Because he is happy!

Be wise today and always - be happy when a sinner comes home.