Tuesday 1-22-08

Greetings Internet Campus,

This week we are looking at what the Bible says about God looking for us like a Shepherd looks for a lost sheep...

Here's today's verse:
Luke 15: 20 “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. 21 His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’ 22 “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him.

I absolutely love this verse. Why? Because it is the perfect description of God and His grace.

Let's remember the story...boy wants his inheritance...father hands it over...boy spends it all and feels unforgivable...father waits at home for boy to return...

The story unfolds... Standing at the edge of his driveway is the father. For months he's turned around dejected...heartbroken. He's been there each day...for months...everyday he's there hoping that his son repents and comes back home. And then it happens.

The father instantly grabs the finest robe for his son and has a feast in his honor! His son has returned in spite of his past failures!

That's the way God is...so many people are living their own way...feeling like they can never return home.... feeling like God could never love or forgive them. But thankfully, that's not the way God, the father...the Shepherd...operates. He, too, is waiting. Everyday He is waiting for you...or for your friend...or your classmate...or your boss....to come home. And when that happens, just like in yesterday's parable, the Heavens celebrate. God NEVER gives up on the lost.

Challenge Question: Have you ever felt unforgivable? Today in your journal, write a prayer of thanks to God that He never gave up on you. Allow Him to forgive you...and then forgive yourself.