Saturday, April 20, 2024

This past week, we looked at a story of two brothers and their relationships with their father (Luke 15:11-32). While at the outset, one seemed wayward and the other blameless, in fact, both were separated from their father based on their heart posture.

The father in the story, however, desires reconciliation with both sons and meets them where they are at.

In this same way, we too are wayward. We either find ourselves running from God, trying to do life on our own. Or we stay out of perceived obligation and expectation, going through the motions rather than responding out of love.

Which approach best describes you? Unfortunately, all of these break our relationship with God.

But God loves us, wants us in his family and pursues a relationship with us. Jesus came to find us, restore our relationship with God, and return us to his family.

Today, I invite you to carve out a few quiet moments to reread the verses that really spoke to you this week. Some possibilities may come from last weekend’s message, such as Ephesians 2:18 or Romans 6:14. Consider the love of the father you observe in the verses from Luke 5:11-32. Then look back on any notes you may have captured over the past few days and reflect on the actions you took this week.

Prayer:
God, thank you for the simple truth of your love and the gift of your Son, Jesus. I am prone, like the sons in the story, to resist your grace rather than relax into the love you offer. Like the Father shared with the older son, remind me what is true—that through Christ everything I have is yours. Help me stop trying to do things on my own, instead, allowing me to rest in your grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Romans 6:14
Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.

This post was written by Kelly Pagel, Director of the LivingItOut.