"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)
Monday, April 15, 2024 - Day 106 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: 1 Samuel 19-21; Luke 15:11-32)
WHEN HE CAME TO HIMSELF...
“But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate. (Luke 15:17-24 ESV)
When the prodigal son blew his early inheritance and found himself in dire circumstances, he came to himself. He was ready to confess his sin and throw himself on his father’s mercy and ask to be taken back as a servant. The father did respond mercifully. He showered his son with a robe, a ring, shoes and a party. His rationale was simple: “For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found."
When we blow it and disobey God, we find ourselves in dire circumstances. It good that we come to our senses too. We need to confess our sins and throw ourselves on our heavenly Father’s mercy. And how does He respond? He forgives us, clothes us in the righteousness of Jesus and promises us a place in heaven.
Thank You, heavenly Father, for forgiving my sins and accepting me back. Please keep me close to You through faith in Jesus, my Savior. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year.
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