May 6, 2024
I’ll get up and return to my father, and I’ll say, ‘Father, I have done wrong—wrong against God and against you.
Luke 15:18 (The Voice )
The call to return is a call of love. Today, we will be looking at the need to return to God, return to the service of the Father and welcome His warm embrace. Through the many trials and tribulations of life and the daily burdens of responsibilities life brings, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters, to stray from the path laid out before us. Returning to God is not merely a one-time event but a continual journey of the heart. It entails turning away from sin and selfishness and turning towards the abundant grace and love of our Creator. It requires humility, vulnerability, and a sincere desire to be reconciled with God. Let us delve into the depths of this divine invitation to return, reflecting on the unfathomable love that awaits us.
Perhaps one of the most beautiful illustrations of return and the love of God is found in the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). This wayward son squandered his inheritance in reckless living, only to find himself broken and destitute. But in his lowest moment, he made the decision to return to his father, not expecting forgiveness or acceptance, but willing to humble himself and ask for mercy.
The first part of our scriptural reading today reads “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!’ The emphasis here is on coming to himself. At some point, you must look inwards and come to that point where you realize that only God really matters in the matters of your life. Friends would fail, money might not even answer when you are faced with the difficult life questions, but only one thing would remain- the steadfast love of God. This is the time to return to God. There is nothing that was and is and would be that is beyond God.
Are you wearied, are you worried, have you been lost in the wilderness of life, the answer is not in this world but rather in the WORD. Return to God, return to prayers, return to service, return to worship, return to thanksgiving, return to the study of God’s Word, return to loving the things of God, and see how your life would be transformed. In Him is Life and true peace can only come when you align yourself with the Father. God's love is not contingent upon our performance or worthiness. It is freely given, unearned and undeserved. It is a love that pursues us relentlessly, even in our darkest moments. It is a love that redeems, restores, and transforms. No matter how far you have gone astray, no matter what you have done, Jesus is calling you this day to return.
Song of Worship
Softly and tenderly, Jesus is calling.
Calling for you and for me
See, on your portals He’s waiting and watching.
Watching for you and for me
Come home, come home.
Ye who are weary come home.
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling.
Calling O sinner come home.
Song- ‘Softly & Tenderly” by Kristyn Getty, Vince Gill, Ellie Holcomb, Sierra Hull
Prayer - Oh Lord, grant me the courage and the strength to turn my heart back to You, to seek Your face earnestly and wholeheartedly. Create in me a new heart, a heart that longs after You so I can love you all the days of my life.
Bible in 1 year: 2 Kings 1-3