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Devotional #49 of 53
Come home and I'll throw the biggest party
heaven has ever seen.
Come home and I'll throw the biggest party
heaven has ever seen.
Luke 15:7
I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven
over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons
who do not need to repent. (NIV Bible)
I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven
over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons
who do not need to repent. (NIV Bible)
In the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15, the returning son expected judgment and got a party instead. …A party that he was not expecting! His own sense of failure and unworthiness convinced him that his father would demand some sort of penitence before he would be fully accepted home as a son.
His older brother also struggled with the idea that his father would throw a party for his rebel younger brother. After all, it didn't seem fair after all the work that he did on his father's behalf. He should be the one that should get a party because he deserved it. But the father's love was not based on what was fair or logical, but on mercy and grace.
As the father surprised both of his sons in this story, so time and time again the Father surprises us with His offer to celebrate over a lost one's return to His house. I pray that we may we not react like the older brother in this story. It is the Father's heart that we would all join in the party to celebrate a homecoming!
In Luke 15:10 Jesus says "I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents". (NIV Bible) Since we know that thousands of people around the world are coming into the Kingdom every day, just think of how much celebrating must be going on in heaven right at this very moment!
Father loves throwing parties for His kids, for each party represents one orphan or prodigal who has found their way back into His heart! Let's all join in our Father's celebration.
PRAYER
Father, I thank You for loving to celebrate when a lost child comes home. I was once one of these lost children and you cared enough to throw me a party upon my return home. Help me to feel your heart for each prodigal who returns home so that I can join in their party! In the name of Your beloved Son Jesus I pray, AMEN.
His older brother also struggled with the idea that his father would throw a party for his rebel younger brother. After all, it didn't seem fair after all the work that he did on his father's behalf. He should be the one that should get a party because he deserved it. But the father's love was not based on what was fair or logical, but on mercy and grace.
As the father surprised both of his sons in this story, so time and time again the Father surprises us with His offer to celebrate over a lost one's return to His house. I pray that we may we not react like the older brother in this story. It is the Father's heart that we would all join in the party to celebrate a homecoming!
In Luke 15:10 Jesus says "I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents". (NIV Bible) Since we know that thousands of people around the world are coming into the Kingdom every day, just think of how much celebrating must be going on in heaven right at this very moment!
Father loves throwing parties for His kids, for each party represents one orphan or prodigal who has found their way back into His heart! Let's all join in our Father's celebration.
PRAYER
Father, I thank You for loving to celebrate when a lost child comes home. I was once one of these lost children and you cared enough to throw me a party upon my return home. Help me to feel your heart for each prodigal who returns home so that I can join in their party! In the name of Your beloved Son Jesus I pray, AMEN.