God, in all His infinite wisdom, often chooses to represent Himself as the Father. But we in our human minds, take that and impose upon Him the picture of our own earthly father, or authority figures in our lives. We see their short comings, their failures and weaknesses and without really realizing it, assume that God has those same problems.
God does not get into moods.
God does not have our same emotions, He does not struggle with holding a grudge. He does not see you for your sin and your down falls. He does not get angry.
Because God is Love. He is the fulfillment of all things good. He is Righteousness, Justice, Peace...
We do wrong, and think that God is disappointed with us, that He's angry, and that some how we have to work to get back into His good graces.
But we do not understand God.
Do you know that He loves us with unconditional love? That He will never stop loving us? Do you walk into His presence with confidence? Knowing that you are the apple of His eye? That you were created especially to fill a place in His heart?
Luke 15, the story of the 'Prodigal Son', is not a story about the son. It is a story about the extravagant love of the Father, who meets us in our sin. (Luke 15:11-32)
"But while he was still a long way off..." (vs.20)
Our Father accepts us. Even in our sin.
God is telling us that we don't have to be perfect that He loves us where we are, even in our ugliness.
"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him." (vs.20)
All the son had to do, was turn, repent and set out towards his Father. But what verse 20 is telling us, is that although it was the sons choice to head back, the Father was looking for him! How else would He have seen the son while he was still a long ways off!?
God does not turn away, He doesn't give up on us in our sin-He's always looking for us! And the moment we choose to return, He RUNS to us! He is gracious and quick to forgive!
"The son said to the him, 'Father, i have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'" (vs.21)
The son was still stuck in his sin, believing he wasn't worthy of his Father's love. Still too stuck on looking at himself instead of searching the Father. We need to see ourselves the way our heavenly Father sees us.
"But the Father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate." (vs.22-24)
First, the Father is looking, second, He runs to meet his son, third he embraces him, kisses him, clothes him, feeds him and rejoices over him-all while he was still a 'long way off'! While he was still in his sin. Not after he'd gotten his life in order and presented himself as a clean package before his Father, but while he was tattered and dressed in rags. Covered in dirt and full of guilt and shame.
Not only does the Father instantly accept him back and forgive him, but He rejoices like his son was dead and restored to life again! What an amazing description of the extravagant love of our Father!
God will never give up on you. He loves you more deeply than any of us can comprehend. Even when we mess up, which we are prone to do, He is quick to cover over all wrongs with love.
All it takes from us is one glance, one conscious step towards Him and He will run to us!
Beloved, we are not sinners who are trying to love God...We are Lovers who struggle with sin!
Don't forget that God created us, thus He knows the weak tendencies of man. He knows us intimately. He knows that we fail, and are prone to run from Him, especially when we are in sin, but He wants us to turn and run to us even in our sin! He is moody and does not hold a grudge.
Our Father, is not a moody Father.
His love and compassion will never change.
He loves you, even in your ugliness.
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