by Pastor Cecil | Feb 3, 2017 | Luke
Luke 15:20
“And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.”
This week I have been exploring the parable of the Prodigal Son. As he returned to the home of his father, he did not expect to be received as a son, but was in hopes that he could be employed as a servant.
We know the story of how the father was lovingly anticipating the return of his son. He loved the wayward youth and eagerly met him with love and extravagance. It was not because the boy deserved it, but because he needed it and the father was eager to give it to this son who had returned.
Clara Fiske Scott lived from 1841 to 1897. She tragically died after being thrown from a buggy being pulled by a runaway horse. She was a prolific hymn writer, but only this week’s featured hymn is still in circulation. Think of her hymn as it relates to a wayward son who has come home.
Open My Eyes
Open my eyes, that I may see,
glimpses of truth Thou hast for me;
Place in my hands the wonderful key,
that shall unclasp and set me free.
Refrain: Silently now I wait for Thee,
ready my God, Thy will to see.
Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine.
Open my ears, that I may hear,
voices of truth Thou sendest clear;
And while the wave notes fall on my ear,
everything false will disappear.
Refrain: Silently now I wait for Thee,
ready my God, Thy will to see.
Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine.
Open my mouth, and let me bear,
gladly the warm truth everywhere;
Open my heart and let me prepare,
love with Thy children thus to share.
Refrain: Silently now I wait for Thee,
ready my God, Thy will to see.
Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine.
May the words of this hymn become our constant prayer. In the moments when the cares of this world tend to blind us to the mighty power of God unto salvation may our eyes see the open arms of the Savior waiting to receive us home.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Feb 2, 2017 | Luke
Luke 15:20
“And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.”
When we read the parable of the prodigal son’s return, we are often focused on the reaction of the father. That is as it should be. It reveals the heart of God and His great accepting love for us. But what about the prodigal who is returning home?
I can picture the son as he trudges along the road leading back home. He no doubt recalls the time of his happy departure with a bag full of money and the excitement about how he was going to live the good life without his father’s restrictions. But now, months later, he is alone, destitute, and depressed.
Imagine the scene as the weary traveler catches view of the family home in the distance. It must have been a bittersweet time for him. He had lost so much and now was only hoping to be a servant in the house that had once been his home.
Suddenly he sees a speck in the distance. It’s someone from the house running down the road toward him. He is not sure if it’s a servant or perhaps his older brother. As the figure gets nearer he suddenly recognizes the familiar image of his father! This is it! He is going to make his appeal to become a servant in his father’s household. He hopes he will find acceptance.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Feb 1, 2017 | Luke
Luke 15:17
“But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! ’”
There is one phrase that never ceases to thrill me: “… when he came to himself.” Sometimes it seems as if a wayward person will never change and come to their senses. We hope and pray that there will be a change, but days become weeks, weeks become months, and months become years without evidence of a change.
This wayward son had hit the bottom. His money was gone, his friends were gone, his self-esteem was gone, and all he had for food was the same stuff the pigs ate. He was finally at a place where he could face himself honestly.
The young prodigal feeding the pigs began to recall what things were like back in the days when he was his father’s pampered son. As he recalled the servants that he had once taken for granted, he suddenly realized that they had it better than he did in his present condition.
This son’s pride suddenly melted away and he began to be honest with himself. He had no justification for returning as a beloved son, but maybe he could get a job as a servant in his father’s house. That’s what he would do. He would apply for a position as a servant … and the humbled young man began his journey home.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jan 31, 2017 | Luke
Luke 15:13
“And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living.”
We are not told where the far country was to which the young son journeyed. I have known prodigals whose far country was the nearest bar. I have also encountered prodigals who have traveled thousands of miles away from those who love them.
It is interesting to read the definition of the word prodigal. It defines one who spends money in a reckless and extravagant manner. Wow! That would describe many who have never even traveled away from home!
It is also interesting to note that after the young son had frittered away all of his money as famine struck the land. Ooops! I am sure he did not see that coming. I can picture him trying to seek help from his new friends, but they were just as destitute as he was. Famine is no respecter of persons.
As a last resort this Jewish boy was forced to find employment feeding pigs. How low can he fall?! In fact it seems his wages were being able to eat the same food he was feeding the swine around him. That describes many prodigals in our modern world doesn’t it? How will he deal with it? Read tomorrows E-Votional.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jan 30, 2017 | Luke
Luke 15:11-12
“Then He said: ‘A certain man had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So he divided to them his livelihood.’”
My own father had two sons. I could write about what a good son I was and how much better than my brother since both have gone to be with the Lord. That would not be realistic or honest with you or myself. Let’s just focus on the two sons in this parable Jesus shared.
This week I would like to focus our attention on this parable. The first thing we are introduced to is the contrast between the two sons. The older son seems to be the perfect example of what a good son should be, but later on we will see more of his true character.
The younger son was much like the typical young man of all ages. He was more interested in good times than in taking responsibility. He asked for his share of the family inheritance ahead of time. I suppose he felt he needed it when he was young and could enjoy the pleasures of sin with lots of money.
Surprisingly his father granted his request. At the same time I am sure that the father’s heart was heavy. This son that he loved was leaving the family and he may never see him again. And so the parable of two sons begins.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
