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The Bible Tells Us About Our Reconciliation to God

Luke 15:20| “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”

Have you ever had an experience where you expected the worst, but received the exact opposite? Maybe it was getting “let off” of a speeding ticket. Maybe it was a teacher in school giving you another day to complete the homework or retake a test. Maybe it was showing up late to meet a friend and they greeted you with a smile rather than anger. Maybe it was the gas company giving you a few extra days to pay your bill…(all right, maybe I’m dreaming here). When you experience these things, there is an exhale of relief as the reality of what just happened sets in.

In Luke 15, Jesus tells us about a son who walked away from his father and family. He then squandered his life in reckless living and years later returns to his father expecting the worst. But instead, he experiences a father who runs to him, hugs him, kisses him and restores him. Can you imagine the relief the son felt? In that moment, all of his failure, his embarrassment, and his pain melted into the arms of his Father. That’s grace, and that’s a picture of the story of reconciliation that’s recorded in the Bible.

Throughout the Bible we see the word “grace.” Grace is something we all need and something our heavenly Father offers through His Son Jesus. Grace is not getting what we deserve. We all deserve that “spiritual speeding ticket.” Why? Because we have all sinned. But God doesn’t give us what we deserve; He gives what only He can provide–grace, His undeserved favor. When we experience that grace, we, like the son in Luke 15, have this collective exhale of relief and gratitude. Because of grace, we can rest in God’s peace as we find ourselves in right relationship with him.

Reflect:

• Many people never “return home” to the Father because they fear how God might receive them. They fear embarrassment, rejection, or punishment. Sometimes we hold back areas of our lives, or refuse to confess things to God because of our fear. The big question for you: Are there areas of your life that you have kept from God because of fear?
• Take a few moments to consider those areas of your life that you haven’t “brought home” to God. One by one, confess them to him, ask his forgiveness, and then experience the grace only your loving heavenly Father can provide.