A Return HomeSample

Today, we’ll read part of a poem from the Old Testament that points to Christ and then part of a letter from a follower of Jesus in the New Testament reflecting on His work.

First, let’s read from Isaiah (written 700 years before Christ) about God’s promise to send a Savior who would restore peace and relationships with God, others, and creation.

READ
Isaiah 53:5–6

REFLECT

Notice the wandering sheep and their turning away in verse 6. Everyone who has ever lived—except Jesus—is like the prodigal. Jesus never turned away from God the Father. He willingly suffered in our place on the cross, bringing healing and peace while taking the punishment we deserve. Jesus was our sacrifice, pierced for the ways we choose ourselves above God.

Now, let’s read a letter from another prodigal: Paul the Apostle. Paul spent years persecuting Christians and denying that Jesus had died and risen for sinners. But one day, he came to his senses and “returned home” to God. He turned to Christ, shared the Gospel, and established faith communities called churches. In his letter to one of these communities, Paul explains what happens when people return to God, trusting in Christ to forgive their sins and restore relationships.

READ
Ephesians 2:1–10

REFOCUS

In his letter, Paul describes how we cannot earn God’s favor. We are all running from our true selves until God reveals His great love and kindness, opening our eyes and breathing new life into our souls. As long as we wander away from God, seeking satisfaction by living to please our desires, we are spiritually dead and subject to judgment. Like the prodigal son, we’ve wandered to the pigsty in search of food.

But God is rich in mercy, and like the father who welcomed his son home, God rejoices to receive His children—all who confess their sins, trust in Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, and acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Savior.

No matter how far you’ve wandered, when you recognize your need for the forgiveness and new life Jesus offers, God the Father grants you eternal life in His kingdom. He transforms you into a new person in Christ, part of His faith community, the Church, to live, share, and proclaim this good news.

REMEMBER

Thank you for taking the time to reflect and complete this plan. To learn more about who Jesus is and how He welcomes you home, or to connect with a faith community (a church) in your area, visit Welcome to the Wellspring.