Text: Luke 15:11-32
I can’t think of a better example of confession and repentance than one Jesus Himself used to give us insight into turning from our sin. It even starts out with a sin issue that isn’t light or easy to resolve. He was a beloved son, a reckless decision maker, who ended up in the worst possible situation. And I’m grateful that Jesus doesn’t give us an example of someone caught up in prayer and worship, all of a sudden finding themselves in a state of confession. It’s beautiful when we choose to be honest with the Lord and give Him free reign to call out our sin, but that’s not always how it works – is it? We often find ourselves face down in pig food before we choose confession.
I love the wording of the ESV here, “But when he came to himself…” This is where confession begins, when our minds and hearts catch up to the reality of our sin and where it has led us – we must first come to ourselves so that we can go back home.
The son didn’t stay gone or stay away. He didn’t bury his head in the pig food and give up. He knew the reality of the situation was that he was busted, and stubbornly sitting in his busted-ness would do no one any good. He went straight to his dad and told him the details. Admitting that our fault is against our heavenly Father and the people who have suffered from our sin is such an important step. Complete repentance usually involves both being honest before the Lord and being honest with others.
Lastly, he hid himself in the Lord the only way he knew how – by offering himself up as a servant. When we come to the Lord with something to confess and some sin to repent from, do we come with a preconceived notion of how our Father should respond? Do we expect restoration to look a certain way or do we acknowledge that He knows best and wants best for us? When we submit to people or the Lord, we should just come – truly sorry, covered in the blood of Jesus, with a desire to want to love them better.
Does this example of confession jar anything in you? Does it seem familiar or look terribly different from the way you view repentance? Remember the most important part of this story: the Father’s response. That’s what Jesus wanted us to hear the most, I believe. Wherever you are, wherever you’ve been – He celebrates when you come home.
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59 thoughts on "confession + repentance in scripture"
None of us are perfect. All have fallen short of the glory of God. God accepts us as we are. I do think he expects us to learn from our past mistakes. Of course, if we slip he will always forgive. Angels rejoice in heaven when just one prodigal son comes home. I wasn't raised in a Christian home. It took me years to accept the Lord; and more years to realize that certain behaviors are not ok. He is so patient; and never gives up on us.
I couldn’t help but think of my one of my priests homilies on Sunday…if you take time to read the whole passage it becomes clear the story is not so much about the confessor and the forgiveness of the father but of the son. The Pharisees were upset and astonished that Jesus would be eating with and welcoming the “sinners”. Just as the brother whines to his father that he has done good yet his sinful brother gets all the glory. It is us that have sinned and have come humbly before God that need the most love and rejoicing!
I love that in this parable, the Father saw him, even when he was a long way off! The Father never gave up on his son, even when he thought he could be dead. He was always watching, always waiting. Our Father never gives up on us! I have made considerable mistakes in my life. Earthly friends have given up on me, but my Father never will. He waits for me, waiting to embrace me and celebrate with me! If that is not the most encouraging thing, I don't know what is!
@ibukun hi and I receive your big bear hug in Jesus name! I love you all my sisters in christ thanks candace jo for the song:-)
I also love the part where it said he came to himself and i agree that where confession and repentance. I am glad that the son realised his mistakes. People find it hard to do that these days
I have experienced the same scenario in that I have 2 grown children. One has found her way pretty well- just a few bumps in the road . My youngest however was reckless and extremely week when it came to life decisions. After a few years of trying to “love” him to his senses, things went from bad to worse. So, I had to learn the “tough love” way. One of the most difficult things a mother has to do when her child , even at 20, is headed on a path of destruction. So he went into drug rehab and I attended some classes. Oh he already had 3 children. Talk about tearing your heart out.long story short. He did rehab and lived in a halfway house while continuing.classes. He met a nice girl at work. They began a relationship. They were married and child #4 arrives. But until this very day she owns my heart. She looks like me and she depends on me. Now we slide downhill again the marriage goes really bad for both parents..A divorce happens, my grandchild who owns me really suffers, so I am angry at my son forever. In that marriage. It was doomed from the start and I didn’t see it. So we move on again and I haven’t mentioned it but in between the tears there were a lot of prayers going up. So we meet wife #4 . She has changed my son’s life so much through the saving grace of Jesus Christ. I am so amazed, grateful and happy. I just never thought I would live to see it happen! And baby #5 has arrived. Please all who read this , I ask for your prayers to help my son find his place in life. He always thanks me for the tough love because he knows that he can’t live without his mama and most of all the loving, forgiving precious love of God.please lift not only him but those 5 children up for God to work in their life.
Deborah, I am praying for you, your son, his wife and those precious grandchildren.
I know your pain. My son is 27 now, and thankfully by God's grace is with us today. He was 14 when things started going south. Because of his age, there were a lot of safety nets that wouldn't have been there had he been older.We dealt with some of the same issues you are now, thankfully no children or wife's included, but still so much pain and heartache.
For me personally, one of the greatest blessings, besides him getting his life turned around, was my faith deepened and I became a constant prayer warrior. Most of that time I felt like I was in a fog…just trying to get through the day, but I was very clear and purposeful in my prayers. I completely recognized God's will for my son's life, and at the same time it was kind of scary because I wasn't quite sure what that could mean. Possibly him overdosing and dying? What I knew to be true was that God had it handled and when I 100% gave it up to The Lord I felt a peace I hadn't for a long time.
Be encouraged, sister. God does have His hand in all of this. His time is not "our" time. My prayer for you is that you will find strength and peace. Take one day at a time. Know that I will be praying for you as I know other SRT sister that read your post will also.
I have been so blessed by all of your comments these past few days. I am so grateful to have found this community. God bless you all!
Getting late here but I have really been blessed by today's lesson and discussion. A few years ago I did a study of this passage for a group I was in. Today, thanks to all of you, new aspects of the story have been revealed and I have been reminded of other aspects. At the time I did the study, I was working with a group who easily identified with and sympathized with the older brother…I was really the only one who could identify with the younger brother.
It was then I discovered a line of the parable I had never paid much attention to, "And the younger of them said to his father, "Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me." And he divided his property between them. "(Luke 15:12 ESV)
The father divided the property between the two brothers and according to Jewish law the older son got the lion's share. Consider then the response of the older brother to his Father's welcome to his wandering brother. "You never gave me anything." Not true, the Father divided the inheritance between them.
The older brother for whatever reason had chosen to live without benefit of his inheritance. Did he think by doing this he would win his father's love? Why did he doubt the father's love? What really angered him so much that he would rather sulk in the darkness than enter the banquet and bestow grace on his long lost brother?
The discussion that day included confessions of hoarding God's grace, refusing to forgive close friends and family members because their sins reflected badly on some of them, failure to live the abundant life choosing instead to cast oneself as a martyr…always in the kitchen.
The word, prodigal means wasteful. Suddenly it became apparent that both brothers had been wasteful just in different ways. But according to the parable only one "came to his senses." God help all the "older brother" times we all have so we can see our need for forgiveness and so we can live as children of the inheritance.
Awesome! Never thought about it that way.
NEW insight! Thank you for this, Carolyn!
This is great. Thank you for this. It is so needed for me in my current season. God bless.
Unforgiven and Charmaine – praying for both of you . Thanks for your honesty. I think most of us can relate and need to be reminded to pray for rebuilding of others trust. But it doesn’t change the fact that we’re forgiven and washed clean. The enemy is just trying to attack and get our focus off Jesus. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
These days I like to come on here when my day is over and I’m in bed to read all of your comments and insights, to leave encouragement where and when I can. All you women somehow have become family to me. All these familiar names, the same God that we worship, the ah-mazing music that all of you suggest. It’s just beautiful. All of this. As I go to bed tonight, the one verse of scripture that comes to mind is Ps 126:1 ” When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dream.”
When God restored the fortunes of this wandering, prodigal young lady, she was like them that dream.
@carolynmimi thank you soo much. I really appreciate you taken the time to respond. I was carrying a burden and I felt so low but through prayer the lord has taught me that He accepts me and wants me to be better in Him.. Yes it is mainly cristians that I battle this with and it hurts but I understand. That I must take things patiently because I was wrong. But I will continue to pray for them and I thank you my sister for praying for me. It means alot:-) I love you my sister in Christ:-)
Love you back, Sister. And continuing to pray. Please let us know when God sends a break through and He will.
You've done your part by asking for forgiveness from them and from God so walk in His grace my sister!
@charmaine I will pray for that child my sister and thank you for your kind words it has helped. You as well stay encouraged :-)
@candace jo I will definately take a look at the link. Thank you forb answerings.
To all my sisters thank you for your words of encouragement it has helped me to push through in God. I’ve realized people may always hold that dark cloud over my head but I thank god for Jesus that He removes all the. Pain and hurt away. God bless you all!
"When we come to the Lord with something to confess and
some sin to repent from, do we come with a preconceived notion of how our Father should respond? Do we expect restoration to look a certain way or do we
acknowledge that He knows best and wants best for us?
Ouch1 this really spoke to me. too often, I am just flippant and think, ok i confess and then God will forgive me and eveyrthing will be ok. but then, the problem with that is, I don't always really take it seriously, so then, I don't feel the forgiveness fully and can't experience the full freedom.
Finding this plan to be very helpful and instructional! Raechel I really enjoy the Scriptures you have been choosing- very uplifting, and your examples are so easy to identify with. Thank you for another wonderful plan!
Blessings to all of you this day! :)
Thanks for the links Candacejo! ;)
I love this devotional and forum. It is helping mend this heart of mine. Also, whomever suggested Pandora’s Praise and Worship, thank you. It is an amazing way to start my quiet time with The Lord. Your posts are blessing my soul. God bless you all
From all of the wonderful inspiration I have received here this week I felt impressed to write today's blog post on the subject, If God Forgives Me, Why Can't I Forgive Myself? JuneBug I quoted you from yesterday I hope that is ok, couldn't find your email to ask you but gave you credit :) (email me at [email protected] with your real bio and I will make it official.) you all are so amazing and gifted! I hope it helps someone. Bless you all this weekend! http://hopeinthehealing.com/2013/04/05/if-god-for…
Sent you an email Candacejo. You betcha! If it could bless someone, go ahead and use it. I sent you my original comment I tried to post on here. I think you'll find our hearts are in unity on this topic. For some reason I am getting the same moderator message as Carolynmimi did yesterday and it failed to post. It's a blessing to sit and absorb sometimes too. How awesome when the Lord takes us all on a journey together. Woo!
Anyway, loved the blog post and look forward to reading more from you!
About to hop over to your blog to read that post :)
Unforgiving I too have made many mistakes. I have been saved for many many years and each time God has forgiven me. I am dealing with a child who always bring up my past but that’s because of her hurt and unforgiveness. When people bring up your past its the enemy using them. He uses them so that you can lose faith in God for saving you from your past. Stay in your Word and pray for those who forsake you. You have been forgiven and God does not remember your sins. I know it gets hard and even hurtful but just remember you are forgiven no matter what man says! You are a child of the King the most high God!
And we are forgiven whether we FEEL forgiven or not! Thank you for this insight, Charmaine
This parable reminds me that it is sooooo much better to be forgiven than to try to be perfect. When I'm like the older son and try to do everything right, try to be perfect, I fail miserably and I miss the blessing and the joy of experiencing the forgiveness and complete redemption. And the unbelievable love of my Father!
This is my story.
This is my song…
I am the prodigal child. This parable moves me every time I read it. I am still overwhelmed by the Father's love and compassion for me. Yes, I remember the morning in August of 2005 when I "came to." It took 3 more years to recover from some of the messy choices I had made during that time, but the Lord was always there even if I was crawling on all fours in my spiritual life. I was starting from scratch again. I see the gift in it today.
I love how the prodigal in the story comes home broke, filthy and starving. He had no pride in himself to hold on to. No works, no crowns, no wealth, no status…nothing to boast about. He came humble. And hungry. What better bread to eat than the Bread of Life? What better way to understand our need for our Father when we have been stripped of all of our "crowns," of our master status, our beautiful identities, our idols? That is exactly what this prodigal child needed. The Father knew better than I…and I am SO grateful!
Can you imagine coming home like he did? Ripped up clothes, mud clinging to your skin, feeling ashamed and then Dad wants to throw you an impromptu "welcome home" party? My immediate reaction would be to please, let me clean up first. Maybe brush the knots out of my hair? But no, the Father didn't look at how dirty he was. Rather, threw his best robe and shoes on him as he was. Wow! What love and acceptance!
Crawling on all fours…wow…been there done that…What love and mercy, what love and acceptance. Thank God.
Amen!
I never got the robe part until you wrote this, JuneBug. Like Jesus' blood covers our dirty sinful selves, the Father's best robe covered the son's rags.. Wow! And Amen!
I didn't see it until this morning's read either Carolynmimi! It reminds me of the Proverbs 31 woman (v.5):
"She is CLOTHED with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come." [emphasis mine]
I did a word search for the word "clothed" in the bible. Makes me want to dig a little deeper…
My first comment didn't stay posted, so I'm going to give this another try…hmmmm…
See my post below!!
I had never likened this parable to my life until just now. I have definitely been through a very similar season of running away from my Father, living how I wanted to, then being face down in pig food before I realized that it was time to come face to face with the realities of what I had created. I am so thankful that He takes me back with open arms.
Amen!
I really love this parable and the thought of God's grace being so abundant and wonderful that, regardless of the sin, he will RUN (not walk, not skip, not jog) but run! to me before I can even utter "I'm sorry." What a wonderful God we serve….may I, too, embrace those who have hurt me but come back. May I run to them, embrace them and forgive them before they even utter a word. Happy Friday Sisters!
Good morning sisters in christ I have a question. I am one whol had made many mistakes in my past which I’ve repented and made a public confession. I’ve asked for forgiveness many times but people still hold me to my past. Now I know I have to take it patiently because I’ve messed up but what if they never forgive me. Do I keep asking for forgiveness every time they try to bring my past back up? Any scriptures to back it up? Because sometimes its too much already and its been almost 2yrs. Please help:(
God has forgiven you. Just walk in His forgiveness and grace. When others see that you've changed they will come to realize the change is real. There is therefore no condemnation for those I Christ Jesus. Romans 8:28. Also 1John 1:9. If we confess ou sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
I am sorry you are going through such a difficult place in your walk with God. You have done the right thing but unfortunately you might not ever get the right response. Because of this week's posts I have written a blog going along with today's thought and just posted the answer to your question http://hopeinthehealing.com/2013/04/05/if-god-for… I hope it helps a little. Summing it up, praying for them and praying for yourself not to become bitter helps the most. Hang in there friend!! ♥
Dear Unforgiven,
Your post touched me in so many ways and fits so well with the scripture and devotional today. First, dear Sister in Christ, you are not "Unforgiven"…Christ died so that when you turned to God and confessed your sin, you became, "Forgiven". "In Christ, you are a new creation." Even if in your forgiven state before Christ, covered by His blood, you took a side step off the path, broke trust with Him or others, acted out and then convicted of your sin, you confessed to God and others, your salvation stayed as it was the hour you first believed.
Unfortunately, People, even Christians, are not God..forgiveness really isn't optional for Christians, but it doesn't come easy and forgetting, trusting again really can take time depending on too many factors to name. The Apostle Paul fell into bitter dispute with his missionary partner and friend, Barnabas (Acts 15 beginning with the 37th verse) because Barnabas wanted to forgive John Mark, who had deserted them on their previous journey, give him another chance and take home with them. Paul refused to allow it. And yet, later in Paul's letters we find Mark with him. Mark changed, Barnabas saw it, Paul did not, until he proved himself trustworthy. And in the story Jesus told, how do we see the older brother in weeks, months, maybe years to come treating his younger brother.
Forgive those who continue to hold you responsible for past actions. Pray for them. Continue to live out your salvation, to build trust, and perhaps they will open their hearts to you. Move on if these relationships are toxic to you. And understand that their unforgiveness has not one thing to do with your Christianity or mission. Nothing can separate you from the Love of God that is in Christ Jesus.
And know, that I and others among the SRT Sisters are praying for you!
You are forgiven, sweet girl! You are forgiven and you are LOVED beyond your wildest wildest imagination. Ugh what I would give to give you a giant bear hug right now and mutter “you are loved” so many times you have no other choice but to believe it. I want you to read today’s scripture again and again. Visualize it. Imagine yourself in it. Let it come alive to you like you were breathing the Middle Eastern air the prodigal son inhaled. I will be praying for you
I love the line in Amy Grants song "I have decided" that says "when the world begins to see you change don't expect them to applaud, just keep your eyes on him and tell yourself I've become the work of God!!!!"
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
2 Corinthians 5:17
Bless you sweet sister, you are a new creation!!!
Couldn't help but think of the Phillips Craig and Dean song this morning, When God Ran!
Almighty God, the great I am
Immovable rock, omnipotent, powerful, awesome Lord
Victorious warrior, commanding King of Kings
Mighty conqueror, and the only time
the only time I ever saw Him run
Was when He ran to me, He took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest, said “My son’s come home again”
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice He said,
“Son do you know I still love you?”
He caught me by surprise when God ran
The day I left home I knew I’d broken His heart
And I wondered then if things could ever be the same
Then one night I remembered His love for me
And down that dusty road ahead I could see
It was the only time – it was the only time I ever saw Him run
Here it is if you've never heard it before… http://youtu.be/ARsu29eRasA. Every time I hear it I still picture Him running in my mind! But as Raechel said He celebrates when we come home!
Candacejo, I have heard this song and I love it! Thank you!
All the tears and emotions this song brought up brought up this morning while listening. Tears of joy; I know that when I come to our prescious Lord humble and with sincerity, He forgives! Thank you, Jesus.
This song and today's scripture also brought some conviction to my soul… I need to "come to myself" and seek forgiveness from The Lord regarding a situation that my "thoughts" are not ok about. I will be getting in a huddle with The Lord TODAY! Thankfully HE forgives when "we come home".
I have been so blessed by the SRT Ministry and all you wonderful sisters in Christ that have personally ministered to me. Have a wonderful Friday sisters!
I know I love it too! I sat and cried this morning! I love that little animated video, it is so good! I am glad it blessed you.
What a beautiful song and video! Got tears in my eyes, picturing Jesus running to me in my mind.
Thank you for sharing!
It gets me every time, my son and I used to sing it together and I could never make it through it. I would just keep playing the keyboard and tears streaming down my face thinking of the mercy of God. I saw Him RUN!!
Love the song and the scripture the Father unable to stand still as he sees his son approaching takes off running toward the son, who probably has his head down, rehearsing his repentance speech, when the Father swoops him into his arms, already having forgiven him. I think that is one thing I often forget and often fail to convey to others who struggle with the weight of sin, unable to form the words of confession…Jesus died on the Cross for our sins…we all are forgiven, but until, "we come to ourselves" and turn toward home, we wallow with the pigs. I think today how the first turning of our face toward God, our first agreement with Him that we cannot raise ourselves up, in that instant the Father begins running to embrace us…to assure us of a place at the family table forever.
So true Carolyn, we have to come to ourselves first. Thank God we did!
Candacejo, girl, I have to say, I so love you girl! I love all your posts! I never heard that song before. what a cool song!
Well I love you too!! LOL, You all have been a blessing to me and you always have the best things to say, always an encouragement. Glad you liked the song, it just fit perfect with Raechel's lesson today. She is awesome.
Feeling led today to do a thorough inventory of my life and do some confession and repenting. So thankful that God will always be there waiting with open arms.
This story in Luke has always been a favorite of mine…mostly because I am that “son” who wondered for so long before coming back home. How blessed I am He receives me with open arms happy I have returned! Wonderful post today and thank you for the reminder!
"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him." v20. While I was a long way off, my Father saw me and was filled with compassion for me; HE ran, not walked, but ran to me, grew His arms around me and kissed me. Before I could even get a word out, before I could even say how sorry I was, how sorry I had left and done so many horrible things that would really disappoint Him. He saw me, ran to me and forgave me. Thank You Father for Your Amazing grace! For this reminder of how You have shown this grace to me and of how I am to share Your grace with others! I love you! In Jesus Name. Amen.
“Does this example of confession jar anything in you?” “…Remember the most important part of this story: the Father’s response.”
THAT is what jars me–each & every time–the Father’s response. Our Heavenly Father is SO gracious and merciful and loving and kind and, and, and… there aren’t enough wonderful words to describe Him. Thank you, Father, for loving us the way you do! Help us to love like that!
Hope all you ladies have a blessed day!
What would I do without the love of my Heavenly Father? So thankful he accepts us how we are and forgives as though it never happened. Praise Jesus!
wherever you are, wherever you've been.. He celebrates when you come home. AMEN!!!
I think in different seasons of my life I have been both the older son and the younger… And Praise God! He loved me right where I was at no matter what!!
We serve a loving and forgiving God!! His grace is perfect! His blood is enough to cover all our sins!! Amen!!