Daily Nuggets of Grace Part 3 Innocent!Sample

The Next Morning

Remember the warm welcome the Father gave the prodigal son? What happened after that? Imagine this scene the next morning:

The party of decades winds down with the sun as friends and family recline, bellies full, music mingling with laughter all around, the smell of tender beef roast permeating the room. Beautiful buffet tables beckon back for seconds. The beloved son, now clean and trimmed, elegantly robed, leans comfortably on his Father. They had missed this so much! Were it not for the conspicuous absence of the older brother, the celebration would have been perfect.

The returned prodigal, stomach full for the first time in months, sleeps soundly. The morning sun stirs him awake as he breathes in the unexpected fragrance of a sweet-smelling, freshly made bed. However, his heart is even more full at the memory of his Dad, running to greet him, not with the feared righteous indignation, but gripped instead with compassionate love and tears of uncontrollable joy.

As the son stretches awake, however, he becomes uncertain. "What if Dad reconsiders and changes his mind?" Worry furrows his brow. He spots the beautiful robe, which is so undeserved. Guilt overcomes him. Hurriedly, he dons his old, stinky, oh-so-familiar clothes instead. With eyes downcast, he heads to clean up the mess from the party and whatever else he might do to regain the Father's favor.

Dad is both dismayed and grieved to see his son back in his old rags. It was one thing for the son to fear his condemnation at a distance, but once the son discovered his Abba's true character, enjoyed their embrace, and accepted the extravagant gifts of robe, ring, and sandals, how insulting to cast them aside again. "Will my son ever trust my grace and love?"

Reflect and Respond

Consider how this might make your Dad feel.

Which of these ways do you approach your Heavenly Father?

You do not approach Him; you are going the other way.

You come tentatively, like a beggar wearing your old rags. Unconditional love is an idea, not an experience.

You avoid God with busyness.

You come often, a forever grateful son or daughter.

You come confidently as the royal child of God you are.

Pray

Father, I confess that I thought it was humble to keep wearing the old clothes, but I have insulted Your grace. By faith, I choose to gratefully leave on the rich robes You gave me and will approach You often and confidently!