November 2, 2017
“Then he said, “There was once a man who had two sons. The younger said to his father, “Father, I want right now what’s coming to me. … he wasted everything he had . … “I’m going back to my father. I’ll say, Father, I have sinned against God. I’ve sinned before you; I don’t deserve to be called your son. Take me on as a hired hand.”. Luke 15:11, 13, 18-19 The Message
Some scars stay close to home .. even if you leave. Jesus describes a family as the backdrop of how extravagant and absurdly wild God is with forgiveness and restoration. It’s a good story because it is about you … or at least someone really close to you. You can get everything you want and never empty out all the anger and resentment in your heart. You can try and blame others, but nothing can heal the darkness of that hole in your heart. The Father does: He runs with absolute abandon to welcome you home .. laughing, crying, celebrating, and shouting out your name for all to hear: My Son .. My Daughter .. lost but now found … dead …but now alive. He throws all decorum into the wind. One son can’t believe it .. the other son refuses to enter in. He .. God .. is the FATHER to both. He is the same Father. He’s your Father. And Jesus gives you a glimpse and a taste of what life restored with this Father is all about. There will be scars but the story and celebration silences anyone or anything that seeks to dismiss and discount God’s scandalous grace healing broken lives. He will out wait you .. but He won’t force you. What Jesus has for you is that good. It’s not hard to find you in the story. It only takes a moment…
“All this time his older son was out in the field. “You’re brother came home. Your father ordered a feast .. because he has him home safe and sound. The older brother stalked off in an angry sulk and refused to join in. His father came out and tried to talk to him, but he wouldn’t listen. “Look how many years I’ve stayed here serving you, never giving you one moment of grief, but have you ever thrown a party for me and my friends?” Luke 15:25, 27, 28-29 The Message
Ken Chester: Grace-Gripped is sent to Prodigal-Scarred followers of the ScarFinder. (kchesterp1@gmail.com)
