Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
October 17, 2023
Luke 15:11-32
11 Jesus said, “A certain man had two sons. 12 The younger son said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the inheritance.’ Then the father divided his estate between them. 13 Soon afterward, the younger son gathered everything together and took a trip to a land far away. There, he wasted his wealth through extravagant living. 14 “When he had used up his resources, a severe food shortage arose in that country and he began to be in need. 15 He hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to eat his fill from what the pigs ate, but no one gave him anything. 17 When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have more than enough food, but I’m starving to death! 18 I will get up and go to my father, and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I no longer deserve to be called your son. Take me on as one of your hired hands.” ’ 20 So he got up and went to his father. “While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion. His father ran to him, hugged him, and kissed him. 21 Then his son said, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Quickly, bring out the best robe and put it on him! Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet! 23 Fetch the fattened calf and slaughter it. We must celebrate with feasting 24 because this son of mine was dead and has come back to life! He was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate. 25 “Now his older son was in the field. Coming in from the field, he approached the house and heard music and dancing. 26 He called one of the servants and asked what was going on. 27 The servant replied, ‘Your brother has arrived, and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he received his son back safe and sound.’ 28 Then the older son was furious and didn’t want to enter in, but his father came out and begged him. 29 He answered his father, ‘Look, I’ve served you all these years, and I never disobeyed your instruction. Yet you’ve never given me as much as a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours returned, after gobbling up your estate on prostitutes, you slaughtered the fattened calf for him.’ 31 Then his father said, ‘Son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad because this brother of yours was dead and is alive. He was lost and is found.’”
Good Morning. All are welcome at the table of the Lord.
I love the story of the Prodigal Son. It is important to remember that no matter how far we stray from God, we are always welcome when we choose to come back. The images in this verse, “While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion. His father ran to him, hugged him, and kissed him., are some of the most powerful in scripture. The father doesn’t just begrudgingly accept him; he loves him for who he is, complete with flaws and sins.
Let’s take a moment to consider the other son, the obedient one. How many times do our thoughts and words echo his? How do you feel when someone who has behaved poorly and made all of the wrong decisions during their life suddenly comes to church and claims Christ as their Lord and Savior? Do you run to them and welcome them with open arms, or do you stand back, questioning the authenticity of their arrival?
All who call on the name of Jesus are welcome at the table of the Lord. Our paths may be as different as honey and vinegar, but God’s mercy, love, and glory await all who arrive at their destination. Whether our path was straight and narrow or filled with meandering diversions, we are all God’s children. In the end, we are all called to humble ourselves and love one another.
Awesome God, We love you! Thank you for accepting us as we are. Help us celebrate the arrival of all who find their way to Your table. Thank you. In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: God is always ready to receive me.
Humble Yourself before God! Pastor Liz
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