What’s Changed
Luke 15:11-12,20 [11] And he said, A certain man had two sons: [12] And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. [20] And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
This man we know had 2 sons. First let me say each and every one of us will make our own decisions. These 2 sons grew up in same household, yet chose 2 different paths. We know the story how the younger wanted a portion of goods (that truly wasn’t his anyway), and he went out and wasted it all. He eventually realizes he’d be better off at his fathers house even as a hired servant rather than where he was at a certain point in his life. He decides to head home and in verse 20 we see it says that while he was still a great way off the father seen him and ran to him. I’d think that meant the father was looking, praying, hoping one day his son would come home. Looking around today can I say what’s changed? Don’t misunderstand me. Under no circumstances should we ever condone someone’s sinful behavior. I’m not saying that we should just accept everyone like nothing has happened. However, how many times do we see people get out of the will of God only to be judged when they try to come back. There are some that will do it for show. That’s between them and God. However, there are some that will do it with the best of intentions only to see people still judge them or give them the cold shoulder. I’ve seen people try to get their lives back in order and others judge the intent of their hearts. How do we know what their intent is? I’ve heard comments like: “Let’s just see how long it lasts this time.” “They must be having something going on so now all of a sudden they are back in church.” There is a thing known as works meet for repentance. Acts 26:20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
We don’t have to put someone up on a pedestal when they come back, but take a look at this father. His son had not yet asked for forgiveness. His son had not yet asked to be as one of the hired servants. Why do we tend to be so much more judgmental over a willingness to offer someone another chance?
God bless you today! Bro. Josh Richardson
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