Saturday 18th March
Read Luke 15:20-24
“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 round 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.” (NIVUK)
The younger son’s rehearsed speech that he would work hard for his father in repentance doesn’t get past the second sentence! He is interrupted and restored to the family with immense joy and feasting. It does not mean that salvation happens without necessary actions on our part. Salvation flows from penitence, a true and real recognition that we are sinners. It flows from the recognition that we are lost, wandering in danger and darkness, concerned only with our own interests and we need a saviour. No one who denies they are a sinner is saved.
Yet whilst we were, and remain, sinners, the triune God, Father, Son and Spirit, responds to our fallen state with compassion, grace and mercy – all of which is undeserved. Why? Simply because we are loved. Lavishly and unreasonably loved. John captures it most beautifully – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:16-17) (NIVUK).
Found by Him because He loved us.
