The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Luke 15:16-24, “’I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight;
19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men.”‘
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.”

What we sow in our youth we reap in adulthood. It took this young man a long journey to recognize how wrong he had been. He was still a youth when he reaped what he had sown. When we are sufficiently troubled, and when there seems to be no way out, we return to our starting place with our caps in our hands.

The repentant young man no longer had pride. He was eating “humble pie” by returning, doubtlessly wondering what his father’s attitude would be. Yet, the father saw him before he saw his father. And so it is with us: God sees us coming; but He does so with greater rejoicing than we know. Notice that the son never said all he had intended to say. His apology was interrupted by his father’s love and joy!

The slaves had served their master with greater love than the wayward son; still, all of that was behind them now. The son was home!! That was all that mattered.

There is a clear message here for all of us. We have all sinned against God. We know it and He knows it. But all He requires of us is that we return to Him with a repentant heart. His love produces the forgiveness His arms demonstrate. All is forgiven! All is forgotten! The son that was dead is alive and celebrating with his Father! What this lad did, you can do! That’s why Jesus told this story. Turn your life over to Him today! You will not be sorry.

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom