Restored by Grace
Independence is a highly
valued quality. We teach it to our children,
and we demand it for ourselves. There is even
a statue called the Independent Man on top of
the state capitol of Rhode Island—it stands as
a tribute to self-sufficiency and freedom. In
the story of the Prodigal Son, we see a
different aspect of independence in someone
who takes charge of his own life and shuns his
father’s care and protection. The account
reveals both the downward spiral of sin and
the restoring grace of God.
Sin means acting
independently of God’s will. It begins with a
desire that is outside His plan. Next comes a
decision to act on the desire. When we act, we
find ourselves, like the prodigal, in a
distant country, which is anywhere outside the
will of God. To remain there requires
deception. We deceive ourselves by thinking
that we know better than God and ignoring any
consequences. Defeat follows. For a time all
will seem fine but, like the reckless son in
the story, we will find our way leads to
defeat. Finally, we will arrive at despair
resulting from famine of spirit, emotions, or
relationships. That leads into desperation,
where our choices are few and all distasteful.
The prodigal son ended up there.
But desperation is not the end of the
prodigal’s story—nor is it the end of ours
when we sin. Jesus gave this account of an
earthly father’s forgiving love because He
desired to point us to the restoring grace of
our heavenly Father. God waits with open arms
for us, His wandering children.
DO YOU ?
Do you ever feel
discouraged and dissatisfied? Do you ever have
feelings of unrest and fear of the future?
Does the thought of death and the hereafter
haunt you?
YOU ARE
Are you
looking for an unconditional love? Someone who
accepts you where you are and loves you no
matter what? Look no further than a personal
relationship with Jesus Christ.
Cast all your anxiety on him because he
cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7 NIV
Never let the enemy tell
you that you re worthless or insignificant.
You have value in the eyes of God so great
that it was worth dying for. You are a
blessing to the world.
Did you know God's
forgiveness and unconditional love is
available for anyone who asks?
If you haven't made the
decision to accept Christ as Lord
(CLICK HERE NOW)
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