Pastor's article 10-04-26

Once, a man had two sons. The younger one, full of self-will, declared, “Father, give me my share of your estate.” The father, loving and generous, agreed. But the young man wasted his inheritance in reckless living, squandering his life in luxury and sin. When the money ran out, hardship came, and he realized he had nothing left but his own mistakes.
In that moment of despair, he had a revelation: How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, and I am dying here in the wilderness. I will get up and go to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.”
He packed his belongings, left home, and returned as a humble servant. But the father — who had been waiting and watching — saw him from afar. Instead of rebuke, the father ran to meet him, embraced him, and clothed him in the finest robe, put a ring on his finger, and sandals on his feet. The father’s joy was not on the son’s return, but in the son’s repentance.
This is the heart of God’s grace: It is unmerited, unearned, and always ready to receive us back. The father did not have to give the son anything; he chose to bless him abundantly because of his love.
In the same way, God’s grace is not based on our worthiness, but on His mercy. It is available to the repentant heart, and it is always ready to welcome us home. As the hymn Amazing Grace sings, “That saved a wretch like me,” which shows the grace of God at work!
Pastor,
Rev. Wayne Marcus