M I G H T Y I N S P I R I T
The dawn of each day found him there, in the open doorway, gazing purposefully down the long dirt road. Whispers circulted among his servants as they questioned his morning routine. "What is he looking for?" they often inquired. Their master offered no explanation for his diligent watch—his thoughts were deep and beyond words.
He used this time to draw fondly upon the memories of his son—a son whom he had not seen in many months. He often closed his eyes to recall the events that preceeded his abrupt departure. Energized by the desires of his youth, hi sson had made an unexpected request for his inheritance. The magnitude of his son's plea stunned the father but, reluctantly, he forfeited tradition to grant his youngest child's wishes.
Conjuring these painful memories left tears on the old man's weathered cheeks. According to Jewish custom, to request inheritance from a living relative was an abomination. It showed great disrespect and qas equated to wishing death upon the benefactor. yet, through his sorrow the father held hope for his son's safe return. As days turned into weeks, it seemed his hope would be defeated—until a fateful sunrise revealed a glimmer of hope on the horizon.
He awake as usual and assumed his post. As he surveyed the landscape, a dark silouette pierced the rolling fog. Was this specter a creation of his overactive memory? He shut his eyes, cleared his mind, and gazed again—this time squiting with intensity. doubt gave way to exuberance as the hopeful father recognized the familiar gait of his youngest child. His lost son was home!
In Jesus' familiar parable of the prodigal son, the extraordinary qualities of the unnamed father figure are sometimes hidden beneath the drama of the story's plot. However, great truths lie beneath the surface. The conduct of this compassionate man exemplifies unabashed forgiveness in its purest form.
As the story continuies, we discover that the father was so glad to see his lost son that he did not stop to question him. He had no harsh or angry words. The issue of his squandered inheritance was never broached. Instead, he treated his wayward son with dignity and honor.
In a spirit of celebration the father commanded his servants, "Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet" (Luke 15:22). These gifts were esteemed tributes—symbols of prosperity, acceptance, and reinstatement. Though the sorrowful son felt he deserved only the status of a slave to his father, he was redeemed by a patriarch unconcerned with retribution.
Can you imagine giving or receiving complete forgiveness? If your runaway child returned home dirty, bruised, and dejected after squandering one-third of your life's earnings, could you embrace him immediately with open arms?
The compassion shown by this loving father made him mighty in spirit. However, Jesus had an even greater message in his parable. The character of the forgiving father is an allegory of God's mighty spirit. In the limitations of our human minds, we cannot begin to understand God's ability to "forgive and forget." It seems impossible that an omniscient God could "erase" our transgressions from His mind.
Yet, the Bible tells us that when we confess our sins to God, we will receive forgiveness—no matter how great or small our offenses may be. (Hebrews 8:12) Psalm 103 reminds us that "[God] has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His loving kindness toward those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our [sins] from us" (vv. 10-12).
As a child of the living God, the same forgiveness shown to the prodigal son is available to you—not because you have earned it, but because God wants to show you His mercy. He desires to embrace you in the warmth of His love.
If you are ready to experience a joyful "reunion" with your heavenly Father, simply approach Him in a state of obedience. To acheive obedience, you must turn from your sinful ways and ask God to forgive your wrongdoings.
How can you ask God for the forgiveness you need? The answer is simple. First, acknowledge that sin exists in your life. Jesus was the only perfect person to walk on earth; do not be afraid to admit that you have made mistakes. Second, accept the gift of sacrifice Jesus gave for you on the cross. He died to free us from the price of death for our sins. Finally, receive God's forgiveness with a clean conscience and a joyful heart.
God is waiting patiently at the doorway of your heart. Will you return home to him?
—Marya T. Lewis
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