Hello This is a Test

Tuesday Devo

Scripture:

Luke 15:20-21
20 “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. 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.’

Commentary:

15:20 A long way off emphasizes the father’s great love; he must have been watching for the son. ran. The father cast aside all behavioral conventions of the time, as running was considered to be undignified for an older person, especially a wealthy landowner such as this man. embraced him. Literally “fell on his neck”; cf. Gen. 33:4; 45:14; 46:29.
15:21 The prodigal repeats his prepared speech (cf. vv. 18–19), but the father cuts him short before he finishes, showing that he has forgiven him.

Questions:

  • To ask your father for your share of the inheritance early was unheard of in those days. It would be like saying you wished your father would hurry up and die so you could have his stuff. Even more surprising was the father agreeing to it. The more expected response would be to disinherit the son. But this was no ordinary father. Not only did he give his son this share early, it says he was watching and waiting for his son's return. On top of that, when his son was still a long ways off, he ran to meet him and embraced him. His arms are wide open, not closed in judgement. When it comes to the relationships in your life, where can you show a little more grace? If I asked the people that know you best, a spouse, child or close friend, would they consider you to be a gracious person?

  • But it gets even more amazing than that. In these ancient times, a man of his social stature would be wearing intricate robes. To run down a dusty road, having to gird his robe at his waist, exposing his legs, would have been unthinkable... even shameful. So the father went as far as to shame himself in order to restore his son. Again, this points to our heavenly Father that humbled himself and came to earth as a man, lived a perfect life and became sin for us while we were still in our sin. How does it hit you to think about God's incredible act of grace and mercy, running to embrace you as you were still covered in the filth and stench of your sin?

Pray:

  • That you would grow in grace.
  • That you would remember all that God has done for you and forgiven you for.

City 7:

Try to commit to memory!

2. Are there sources outside the Bible that confirm the Biblical account of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead? Many Roman and Jewish historians have confirmed that the apostles died as martyrs for preaching that they saw Jesus risen from the grave. No one dies for something they know to be a lie.
(Luke 1:1-4; Acts 26:26; 1 John 1:1-4, Josephus, Clement, Hegesippus, Tertullian, Origen, Polycarp)

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