Distant

Verse: Luke 15:13
“Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living.”

“The younger son…set off for a distant country…’ (Luke 15:13). When we choose not to follow or obey God we will end up far fro Him like the verse; ‘a distant country.” As a result our fellowship/relationship with Him will suffer. Our disobedient living will separate us from Him every time. When we distance ourselves from God, by not attending church or Sunday School, or by not studying or reading His word, or by not praying regularly, it will be hard to hear from Him. Just as being distant, far away, or physically separated from someone will cause us not to be able to hear them. Yet, when we realize the error of our ways and truly repent like the prodigal son did in verse 18, God will have compassion on us (vs.20). He will meet us where we are, even if we are still far off, but desperately wanting to return. Then He will walk with us back to our rightful place without condemnation. In fact, instead of condemnation He is filled with compassion and love for us (vs. 20). Just as the father in this parable met his son and threw his arms around him and kissed him, so our Heavenly Father greets us with love and compassion when we repent. He does not meet us with anger and condemnation asking us where we have been and what we were thinking? He does not react in that manner because He is love, 1 John 4:8. And, there’s more. He is willing to take us further on ahead, into a deeper more intimate relationship with Him. He is always waiting for us to return to Him.

May your blessing be on your people. Psalms 3:8

Prayer:

Father thank you for your compassion and love towards me even while I am working on returning to You. Help me return to You with my whole heart.

Read More:
Luke 15:11-31

Action Plan (James 1:22 & James 1:25):
Decide to start each day with prayer, even if it is just for 5 minutes.