An Honest Confession
Scripture – Luke 15:21-24: 21“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.
Reflection: The son needed to confess to the father. And he did – acknowledging he had sinned and he was no longer worthy to called a son. That’s where the good news begins. The effect of sin is that it separates me from God, and usually from other people. In confession I recognize that in myself and I turn back toward God. I realize I am not worthy to be called God’s son. That’s when His grace kicks into gear.
Through the cross of Christ, He has bridged the gap I have created between Him and me. In His grace He reaches over and draws me back to Him. He does for me what I cannot do for myself. It’s not because I deserve that. I’m unworthy. The good news is God doesn’t treat me as I deserve to be treated. He treats me with love and mercy.
The son needed to confess. The father responded with great joy and celebration. There’s no dwelling on what went on before. The son has come home. The time for celebrating and looking forward has arrived.
Yesterday a friend mentioned these three lost and found stories. He pointed out that the shepherd had to search for the lost sheep. The woman had to search for the lost coin. But the father did not go out looking for the lost son. God is always ready to welcome me back. I have to make the choice to turn back.
An Invitation: A small group will be meeting this coming Sunday morning from 9:45 – 10:30am to share what we’ve learned and seen in this week’s readings. We meet in the Pastor’s office at Bethel Baptist Church, 13330 Trenton Road in Southgate. Everyone’s welcome to join us.
Reflection: The son needed to confess to the father. And he did – acknowledging he had sinned and he was no longer worthy to called a son. That’s where the good news begins. The effect of sin is that it separates me from God, and usually from other people. In confession I recognize that in myself and I turn back toward God. I realize I am not worthy to be called God’s son. That’s when His grace kicks into gear.
Through the cross of Christ, He has bridged the gap I have created between Him and me. In His grace He reaches over and draws me back to Him. He does for me what I cannot do for myself. It’s not because I deserve that. I’m unworthy. The good news is God doesn’t treat me as I deserve to be treated. He treats me with love and mercy.
The son needed to confess. The father responded with great joy and celebration. There’s no dwelling on what went on before. The son has come home. The time for celebrating and looking forward has arrived.
Yesterday a friend mentioned these three lost and found stories. He pointed out that the shepherd had to search for the lost sheep. The woman had to search for the lost coin. But the father did not go out looking for the lost son. God is always ready to welcome me back. I have to make the choice to turn back.
An Invitation: A small group will be meeting this coming Sunday morning from 9:45 – 10:30am to share what we’ve learned and seen in this week’s readings. We meet in the Pastor’s office at Bethel Baptist Church, 13330 Trenton Road in Southgate. Everyone’s welcome to join us.
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