June 9, 2024 – God Celebrates When We Return to Him
Luke 15:17-21
Sermon: 2472 Jesus, Friend of Sinners
Pray Over This
“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! I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’ 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. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’”
Luke 15:17-21
Ponder This
An old preacher was riding on a train. He looked across the aisle and there was a young boy the preacher could see was in trouble. He went over and sat by him and said, “I don’t want to pry, but do you have a problem? Perhaps I can help you.” The boy said, “Yes, sir, I do have a problem. Many years ago, I had a fight with my parents. I was wicked and ungrateful, and I left home. I have received word recently that my daddy is sick. And I thought how hurtful, hateful, and sinful I’ve been. Would I let my daddy die without my apology to him, without asking his forgiveness?”
The boy continued, “Behind my parents’ house is a large tree. And I told them I would be on this train. And I told them if they would let me come home, to tie a handkerchief on that tree, and we are getting close.” The preacher replied, “Son, you pray, and I’ll look.” The train came around the curve. He said, “Son, lift up your head and look.” The couple had gotten every towel, every bed sheet, every quilt, everything that they could find that was white, and the tree looked like a mountain of snow. They were telling him to come home! And this is the way the Lord welcomes those who come to Him.
- When have you been determined to go your own way instead of pursuing life with the Lord? What brought you back to Him?
- What makes it difficult for you to forgive and receive those who have done you wrong?
Practice This
Pray for your enemies and those who have hurt you. Pray for God to work in their hearts and draw them close to Him. Ask Him to do the same to allow you to forgive them and release any bitterness you have toward them.
For more from Love Worth Finding and Pastor Adrian Rogers, please visit www.lwf.org.
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