Word for the day: “The power of Gods love”
Luke 15:11-24(HCSB)-11 He also said: “A man had two sons. 12 The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate I have coming to me.’ So he distributed the assets[c] to them.
13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered together all he had and traveled to a distant country, where he squandered his estate in foolish living. 14 After he had spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he had nothing.[d]
15 Then he went to work for[e] one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to eat his fill from[f] the carob pods[g] the pigs were eating, but no one would give him any.
17 When he came to his senses,[h] he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have more than enough food, and here I am dying of hunger![i] 18 I’ll get up, go to my father, and say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight.
19 I’m no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired hands.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck,[j] and kissed him.
21 The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son.’22 “But the father told his slaves, ‘Quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger[k] and sandals on his feet.
23 Then bring the fattened calf and slaughter it, and let’s celebrate with a feast, 24 because this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ So they began to celebrate.
HUMANITY OFTEN ATTEMPTS TO IMPOSE ITS OWN FAULTY HABITS ONTO GOD.
This is especially true regarding the nature of God’s love. We think we must barter, plead, or try hard to earn the Lord’s favor.
But as the prodigal son learned, the Father’s love is unconditional. In fact, the story of the prodigal son, in my opinion, is primarily about the superlative Love of our auspicious God of which we have a challenging time understanding.
Power consideration: The wayward son expected his father’s love to be diminished. Therefore, he went home hoping for a place among the family servants.
Imagine the boy’s delight when Dad greeted him with a hug and a celebration.
His actions certainly didn’t merit an outpouring of affection, but Jesus’ parable is all about a Father who doesn’t give people what they deserve.
The Father gives them, what we all are missing and stands in need of “The Power of God’s Love”.
There is a misnomer in our culture that love will just show up at our door. In fact, I believe that many people can often sit around hoping and waiting for someone to love them.
But God’s love doesn't work that way. To get love and keep authentic love, you have to begin to embrace the Love of God for yourself.
Today’s message of the prodigal son really brings this narrative home for me. In a compelling way the amazing love of the father for his son, is emblematic of the Love of God for all of us, no matter who we are or what we have done.
A LOVE BASED ON PERFORMANCE WOULD KEEP PEOPLE GUESSING, HAVE I DONE ENOUGH.
Instead, God cares for you simply because you are “You”, and the Lord expects nothing in return. Consider the prodigal’s life after his homecoming party.
He didn’t move into the servants’ quarters and get to work. He was reinstated to his place as the second son of a wealthy man, with all of the privileges he originally had.
In the same way, believers are the Lord’s cherished children (II Cor. 6:18). When God looks at His loved ones, the Lord doesn’t focus on past failures, faults, or even our sin.
The Lord of Love sees us as heirs to His kingdom men and women who love Him and desire to spend eternity in His presence.
The challenge for each of us the children of God is to have the right perspective of God’s love.
In our world of loneliness and hurt, there is an enormous need for men and women who know the heart of God, a heart that forgives, that cares, that reaches out and wants to heal all with the “Power of God’s Love”.
Today’s message really drives home some amazing considerations of the Master’s Love for us all.
POINT TO PONDER
No matter how far we may wander from the Lord’s perfect will for our lives, (Please notice I said we may wander, because we all wander at various points in our life) however, we are always welcomed back.
The Bible teaches in the parable of the prodigal that God’s love cannot be lost, regardless of sin or poor decisions (though we may have to live with the consequences). Our Father’s arms are always open with the “Power of God’s Love”!
Do you embrace the Love of God in your life?
Where did you learn your views of Love?
How are you doing in the area of Love for your life?
Are you struggling with Loving yourself?
What does the Power of Love teach you?
SPECIAL THANKS!
Pastor James Baker, Jr. and our leadership team are especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in the month of March 2021, by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Ms. Annette Straker, Ms. Rita McGuffin, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Ms. Mable Bazemore, Ms. Evelyn Rosado, Ms. Itholear Abbott, Mrs. Barbara Mason, Ms. Jeanette Grant, Ms. Angela Battle, Pastor Raymond Phillips, Mr. William Jones, Ms. Angie Scraders-Murphy, Mr. Calvin Jackson, Mr. Calvin Griffith, and Ms. Gertrude Scott.
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Kingdom Blessings