Reflecting on Luke 15:17-20“While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him.” (Luke 15:20)
When does God’s compassion kick in?
In this story, the father sees the son, and that is enough.
It is not based on his son’s repentance or admission of guilt.
The son does not have to prove his sincerity or remorse.
God’s compassion is triggered while the son still smells like a pig.
God’s compassion precedes our confession or commitment.
God ‘suffers with’ us in our suffering, and it hurts.
Jesus’s words are in direct contrast to the religious leaders.
They are filled with condemnation at sinners, not compassion.
They are condescending, looking down on those less than them.
How a person views God will affect how they respond to God.
When evangelism stresses judgment over compassion, it is not gospel.
Sinners are to be embraced before their confession or commitment.
Let us stop guarding the table, keeping it closed to sinners.
Let us go into the highways and bi-ways, and compel them to come in!
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, You have taught us and shown us what God is like, filled with compassion. Forgive us for describing God as an angry Judge. Help us to teach and to show others what God is like, like You did!
The Father was waiting for His child to come home for he saw Him afar off. He embraced His lost son, returning home. A safe haven. And he did not have to give an accounting for what he had done. Celebration. Acceptance. Rejoicing. His heart once again was in the right place. ‘Home is where our hearts need to be.’ Safe in the everlasting arms of Jesus. As He welcomed sinners, I need to do the same. Welcome in the name of Christ.