Tell Me a Story: Devotions From Time of Grace MinistrySample

STORY #3: Restoration The prodigal was hoping for a meal and maybe a shower. He got an embrace and tears from his father. But wait--it gets even better. He gets full restoration to his former place in the family. “The father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate” (Luke 15:22-24). The father takes the same risks as before. He risks that his generosity will be abused and squandered again. He chooses to trust his repentant son and prays that he will grow up spiritually. The reason this sounds so outrageously wonderful is that it’s not how we would act. When we forgive each other, there’s some begrudging. We read the riot act first. There are conditions. There is hesitation. There is hedging. We hold back. We give warnings. Let’s dedicate ourselves as individuals and in Christian groups to representing the Father as Jesus wishes: a heart aching for repentance in his wayward children, a heart leaping with joy when they turn, a heart brimming with generosity when they’re back.