Scripture: Luke 15: 21
21 His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’
Observation: This lost son, who left his father and squandered his wealth, realized the true error in his ways. He returned home and was truly sorry for what he had done. He realized his mistakes and owned up to them, asking for forgiveness.
Application: I will confess it is hard for me to really own up to my sin sometimes. I want to justify that I’m not “that” bad. I’m pretty much a rule-follower and I catch myself thinking I’m a little superior sometimes because of it.
But the truth is I am not perfect. I have broken more than one rule. (Only one is perfect: Jesus Christ.) As I discussed earlier this week, we may not even fully understand the rules as they were meant to be.
But breaking just one rule or law makes me just as sinful as those who break hundreds every day. God doesn’t have a scale of sins. Sin is sin. And my speeding is just as bad as what we humans might call a despicable crime. Not following the rules is sin. Every single time. And every single rule break is equally wrong with every other rule-break.
And Jesus loves me (and those who break more rules) JUST THE SAME. He doesn’t keep score when it comes to his love for us. (Oh that is so hard for me to grasp.)
I need to continue to go to him, admit my wrongs and ask to be forgiven. And he will accept me back every time… provided my heart is genuine. But I have to realize my error and ask. And then bask in his perfect love and forgiveness.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your guidance and love. I didn’t want to write about this at first because I am not “that bad.” But you know the truth. And you know I sin. And thank you Lord for still loving me. And helping me to realize how strong that love is… because you forgive me even in my arrogance of my sin. Please continue to show me your love and help me fall more deeply in love with you. Thank you, Lord.
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