Post by Woody Williams on Mar 18, 2007 6:39:53 GMT -5
Text for the Day -- Luke 15:1-2, 11-24
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Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to
him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying,
"This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them."
Then Jesus said, "There was a man who had two sons. The younger of
them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of the property
that will belong to me.' So he divided his property between them. A
few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a
distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute
living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place
throughout that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and
hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent
him to his fields to feed the pigs. He would gladly have filled
himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him
anything. But when he came to himself he said, 'How many of my
father's hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am
dying of hunger! I will get up 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 like one of your hired
hands." ' So he set off and went to his father. But while he was
still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he
ran and put his arms around him and kissed him.Then 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
slaves, 'Quickly, bring out a robe the best one and put it on
him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the
fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son
of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!' And
they began to celebrate."
Devotional
----------
This familiar story is quite clear. God is patient, long suffering,
merciful and full of grace. Compassion for the lost is evident. The
parable invites all of us to recognize and trust the forgiveness God
has for us as we return to him. God is always there as the waiting
Father. When you are feeling dead (separated) and lost (no sense of
where you are), turn toward the gracious love and forgiveness that is
available.
Prayer
----------------
I thank you for your love for me, gracious God. Amen
----------
Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to
him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying,
"This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them."
Then Jesus said, "There was a man who had two sons. The younger of
them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of the property
that will belong to me.' So he divided his property between them. A
few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a
distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute
living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place
throughout that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and
hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent
him to his fields to feed the pigs. He would gladly have filled
himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him
anything. But when he came to himself he said, 'How many of my
father's hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am
dying of hunger! I will get up 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 like one of your hired
hands." ' So he set off and went to his father. But while he was
still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he
ran and put his arms around him and kissed him.Then 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
slaves, 'Quickly, bring out a robe the best one and put it on
him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the
fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son
of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!' And
they began to celebrate."
Devotional
----------
This familiar story is quite clear. God is patient, long suffering,
merciful and full of grace. Compassion for the lost is evident. The
parable invites all of us to recognize and trust the forgiveness God
has for us as we return to him. God is always there as the waiting
Father. When you are feeling dead (separated) and lost (no sense of
where you are), turn toward the gracious love and forgiveness that is
available.
Prayer
----------------
I thank you for your love for me, gracious God. Amen