Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Constant, patient and welcoming love of God
  St. Luke 15: 11-32
 V.21: And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
The parable of the ‘Prodigal son’ is one of the most frequently quoted parables that Jesus told His disciples. The parable contains the rich mine of human virtues and emotions. This parable is lived and re-lived in progressing civilizations from time immemorial and continuing. It brings out in vivid detail the pathetic depth of human sinfulness and the glorious heights of God’s forgiveness.
    
As a story of human nature, fathers are generally merciful to their children in any circumstance. They are very protective and are eager to provide for and secure the lives of their offspring. Jesus is telling this parable to underscore the superlative love of God to His children. The nature of such love is reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 7:11. Humankind who are evil by nature, give good gifts to their children, then how much more willing God is to shower His love and grace on those who are His.
    
The catalyst which ignites God’s love is our repentance. “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” – James 4:8. The repenting nature of a believer is very precious to God. In Isaiah 1:18 God declares “Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” The love of such magnitude and magnificence to humankind prompted God to give His only begotten Son. Jesus became the propitiation for the sins of the humankind when He sacrificed himself on the cross at Calvary.
    
Another strange aspect of the story is the self-righteous nature of the elder son. The heart of the matter is that the elder son is basing Father’s love in terms of the possessions. He argues that he toiled and preserved the possessions of the father whereas his brother destroyed it by riotous living. The natural love that the father had for his younger son is not understood by the elder son. He has no such feeling towards his brother. We can observe all such attributes of the elder brother in the present world.
    
The call of God to repent is skillfully concealed in this parable. The relevance of repentance is utmost important in the present age.
PRAYER
Dear Lord, give us wisdom to understand the nature of your love and your call for repentance. Enable us by Your Holy Spirit to lead a life continually repenting of our sins.
 
Thought for the day
IOur only concern is to obey the Heavenly Father and leave the consequences to Him.” – Charles Stanley

Abraham Mammen
Epiphany Mar Thoma Church, New York

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