The Lost Son: a devotion on forgiveness

From an Africa Study Bible touch point:

In Sudanese and other African cultures, a son implies that he wishes his father were dead if he asks for his inheritance while his father is still alive. Shockingly, the father in Jesus’ parable agreed to his son’s request. Then, after spending all his money on wild living, the son came to his senses (Luke 15:17). He decided to return to his father where he hoped he might be accepted as a servant. After such a great insult, we would not expect the father to agree. But the father ran (Luke 15:20)—something you will never see African elders do—to restore his son. 

In the same way as the son in this parable, many people have disowned our heavenly Father and wasted their lives. But God loves and graciously accepts us when we confess and return to Him. This father lovingly embraced and kissed his repentant son. He honoured him with a robe, sandals, and a ring. 

If any of us have willfully dishonoured ourselves before God, there is still time to come to His feast. If guilt or social injustice has left us in shame, God will clothe us in His honour and restore us if we repent of our wicked ways and return to Him, humbly asking His forgiveness. 

Today: 

How do your hurts or traditions affect how you react to the lost returning to God? Perhaps a lost person hurt your family, was at war with your people, or brought shame upon you. Go against your natural state and be like God our Father. Is there someone who has returned to God who you need to run towards and embrace?