Running to reconnect

Pastor Nicholas Tsakis shared with us today, Sunday 6 March 2011, from Luke 15:11-24.

Notice first that the father did not hesitate to give his son his inheritance. And even at the return, the father does not hesitate to embrace his son. At the core of this story is a father who wants to establish a connection with his son.

The father, much like our heavenly Father, loves us and desires a connection with us.

What did the son do? He made two decisions:

• He wanted to be INDEPENDENT
• He wanted to do things HIS OWN WAY

Those two decisions drew him away from a connection with his father. Our relationship with our God will face challenges, but we must stay in that place of connection with Him.

What made the son return?

• He came to his SENSES - admission of condition
• He said 'I'M NOT GOING TO STAY WHERE I AM' - change of will

Do not stay where you are. Turn from where you are, just as we see in the word 'repent'.

And when you change your place, do not return with arrogance. Do as the son did, and return humbly. Turn from the 'my way' life and return to a loving, welcoming home.

Dad saw his son from afar off. God is looking for us, and is ready to forgive - looking from a distance for his son's return. He was waiting for the son.

What's more, the father RAN to his son, kissing him on the neck.

A banquet followed, and they partied in celebration.

The family was restored, the son had reconnected and God's ownership was reestablished. A robe, ring and sandals were the symbols of royalty, ownership, position and acceptance.

Your Father is so merciful and embracing, watching afar off for you if you're far away. He is ready to reconnect with you.




- Posted using an Apple iPad on behalf of Empower Christian Church, Australia