We know it as “The Prodigal Son” story—the experience of a young man who talked his father into giving him his portion of the inheritance, which he immediately took into a far-off country, wasting it on “wine, women and song.”
Encouraging Words Devotional
Stop Feeling Shame About Your Past
(upbeat music) We know it as the prodigal son story. The experience of a young man who talked his father into giving him his portion of the inheritance, which he immediately took into a far off country, wasting it on wine, women, and song. Only when his money ran out did he admit his mistake and decide to return to ask mercy of his father. While his father totally forgave him and put on a big party to celebrate the return of his wayward son, the boy's elder brother offered him no such mercy. Bible teacher F.B. Meyer noted, what a blessing it was for the prodigal son that he did not meet his elder brother before his father. Had the two men face to face in the field, it is certain that the ragged wanderer would never have gone another step. His brother would have rebuked him for wasting his inheritance and coming back in so disgraceful a state. Assuredly, he would have not killed the fatted calf as his father did, but he would have killed all the hope in that sad and sin-stained soul. Dr. Meyer continues, but mercifully, the prodigal first met his father, whose heart had never ceased to yearn for him and whose eyes still scanned the road along which that prodigal child had gone. Was there scolding mingled in his look or tone? Never. Not a word about the long absence, the wasted wealth, the wild life, only the warm rush of his father's love. Remember, it was Jesus who related this story. Jesus who knew his father's loving heart and knew that father God would forgive any repentant sinner, no matter the extent of his sin. Are you feeling shame for your past? Let God's loving heart give you forgiveness today. You've been listening to encouraging words with Darlene Salah. Visit guidelines.org for more. (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (gentle music)