IN TOUCH DAILY DEVOTIONAL 18 JUNE 2024 BY DR. CHARLES STANLEY, TUESDAY MESSAGE
TOPIC: A Father’s Grace
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Luke 15:20-24
20 “So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.
21 “And the son said to him, `Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
22 “But the father said to his slaves, `Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet;
23 and bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat and celebrate;
24 for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’ And they began to celebrate.
The Parable of the Prodigal Son is a beautiful picture of the grace God showers on us when we repent and turn to Him. In this story, the father has been greatly disrespected by his younger son but continues to wait patiently for him to come home. Finally, as the young man is returning, the father runs to meet him and orders the servants to prepare a feast. His eagerness to celebrate his child’s return exemplifies how God stands ready to receive us when we head toward Him. It also provides a perfect model for how we’re to show grace to the prodigals in our own lives.
This illustration of God’s character underscores Paul’s assertion to the Ephesians: “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our wrongdoings, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us” (Ephesians 1:7-8). When we turn to God, He showers His grace on us. He doesn’t forgive our sins begrudgingly or keep a record of our wrongs. He offers complete redemption that leads to new life.
Do you need that kind of grace today? Know that God stands ready to immerse you in it (John 1:16-17). Or perhaps you need to offer it to someone in your life. Let the image of the forgiving father in today’s passage be a reminder of the grace God calls us to extend every day.
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Psalms 39-43
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: God’s forgiveness is complete, permanent, and always available.
For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit www.intouch.org.