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.
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