This Child of Mine
On the journey home, the younger son in Luke 15 rehearses over and over his apology to his father. He wants to make it clear he doesn't expect forgiveness, to be recognized as a son; he is just hoping for a little work and a place to sleep. Yet the father's response is to absolutely weep with joy over the return of his child, "this son of mine."
Isn't this part of our journey so often too, this struggle with feelings of unworthiness and shame? What would it mean to you this morning to believe that God looks at you the same way - that you are fully forgiven, deeply loved, unconditionally received as God's child? Paul puts in this way in Romans 8:
14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.
Would you talk with Jesus about what "living in fear" looks like in your life these days, versus living as a much loved child of God? If you were to cry out to God, “Abba, Father,” this morning, what words would come next? What would you want to ask or tell God?
Bonuses for the week
- A printable fingertip prayer labyrinth with instructions, HERE.
- An invitation to meet up with Brenna and anyone else interested on Thursday night at 6pm to walk the prayer labyrinth in the courtyard of Grace Brethren Church, 3601 Linden Ave. We may grab coffee & pie at Bake N Broil afterwards!