What a forgiving Father!

“‘Father,” the son said, “I have sinned against God and against you. I am no longer fit to be called your son.” But the father called to his servants. “Hurry!” he said. “Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finer and shoes on his feet. Then go and get the prize calf and kill it, and let us celebrate with a feast! For this son of mine was dead, but now he is alive; he was lost, but now he has been found.” And so the feasting began.’ (verses 21-24)

Read Luke 15:11-32

What a heart-warming story Jesus tells! Here is the rebellious son who has thumbed his nose at his generous father and lost every last cent of his inheritance in riotous living. He has come back home in rags and stinking of pigs, admitting his fault and ready to work as a servant.

But his father has different ideas. Joyously he runs to embrace and kiss this smelly and ragged beggar. Then he ensures that the rags are replaced with the best finery and orders a feast to be prepared. He does all he can to signal that he still regards the rebel as his son.

Not many of us human fathers would be willing to reinstate so completely such a renegade son. But the father in Jesus’ story isn’t a human father but our heavenly Father. He forgives us rebellious sinners totally and unconditionally. What amazing good news that is!

Our Father in heaven, forgive us our sins, so that we too will learn to forgive those who sin against us. Amen.

by John Vitale, in ‘Guidance for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2002)

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