Reflecting God – Embrace Holy Living - WordAction - The Nazarene Publishing House (The Foundry Publishing House) of Kansas City, Missouri, United States - The Global Church of the Nazarene for Thursday, 7 September 2017 - "The Father’s Compassion" by Norayr Hajian - Luke 15:11-20

Reflecting God – Embrace Holy Living - WordAction - The Nazarene Publishing House (The Foundry Publishing House) of Kansas City, Missouri, United States - The Global Church of the Nazarene for Thursday, 7 September 2017 - "The Father’s Compassion" by Norayr Hajian - Luke 15:11-20
Luke 15:11 Again Yeshua said, “A man had two sons. 12 The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate that will be mine.’ So the father divided the property between them. 13 As soon as he could convert his share into cash, the younger son left home and went off to a distant country, where he squandered his money in reckless living. 14 But after he had spent it all, a severe famine arose throughout that country, and he began to feel the pinch.

15 “So he went and attached himself to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the carob pods the pigs were eating, but no one gave him any.

17 “At last he came to his senses and said, ‘Any number of my father’s hired workers have food to spare; and here I am, starving to death! 18 I’m going to get up and go back to my father and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against Heaven and against you; 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired workers.” ’ 20 So he got up and started back to his father.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with pity. He ran and threw his arms around him and kissed him warmly

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We’ve all experienced that awful feeling when we know we did something wrong. It wasn’t just a mistake; it was downright disobedience. In rebellion, you crossed the line. You hurt yourself and maybe even others. You want to make things right, need to make things right, but you’re afraid. How will they respond? How severely will I be chastised?
I imagine that the prodigal son had more than just a little fear as he approached his old home, the home that was once a safe haven, a place where he was loved, looked after, and longed for. Yet, he had rejected it all. Worst of all, he had inflicted pain on his father when he rejected him.
To his surprise, things didn’t work out as planned. They seldom do. Broke, hungry, and alone, the son couldn’t handle it any more; he had to go face his father and confess his foolishness. We see a beautiful picture of grace and forgiveness as the father runs to meet his son. No record of wrongs. No chastisement. No lecture. He was simply filled with compassion.
Wherever you have been, know that God is eager to meet you, to embrace you with His love and compassion.
Hymn for Today:

"Only Trust Him" by John H. Stockton

1. Come, every soul by sin oppressed, 

there's mercy with the Lord; 

and he will surely give you rest, 

by trusting in his Word. 

Refrain: 

Only trust him, only trust him, 

only trust him now. 

He will save you, he will save you, 

he will save you now. 

2. For Jesus shed his precious blood 

rich blessings to bestow; 

plunge now into the crimson flood 

that washes bright as snow. 

Refrain: 

Only trust him, only trust him, 

only trust him now. 

He will save you, he will save you, 

he will save you now. 

3. Yes, Jesus is the truth the way 

that leads you into rest; 

believe in him without delay, 

and you are fully blest. 

Refrain: 

Only trust him, only trust him, 

only trust him now. 

He will save you, he will save you, 

he will save you now. 

4. Come then and join this holy band, 

and on to glory go, 

to dwell in that celestial land 

where joys immortal flow. 

Refrain: 

Only trust him, only trust him, 

only trust him now. 

He will save you, he will save you, 

he will save you now.  

Thought for Today:

Praised be God, Father of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, compassionate Father, God of all encouragement and comfort;(2 Corinthians 1:3).
Please pray:

For developing Christian leaders in Cuba.
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