As we think of Jesus and prepare to celebrate his death and resurrection in the next few days, have we considered the significance of Jesus’ death and resurrection and how much God loves us?
The parable of the lost son in Luke 15:11-32 is an example of a father’s love for His son or daughter. The younger son left home taking his portion of his father’s inheritance and wasted it. He returned home empty-handed, sorrowful, but surprised to find that his father loved him regardless of what he had done. Recognizing his son from a distance, whom he thought was lost, his father ran toward him, embraced him, and forgave him. The father showed patience and faithfulness by waiting for his son to return home and being present when His son needed him. He showed love and kindness by clothing his son with the best robe and giving him sandals and a ring. He had his servants kill the fattened calf and prepare a party to celebrate his son’s home coming.
Similarly, God loves you and me unconditionally. The Bible states, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8 NIV). Jesus paid our sin debt in full. When we confess and repent of our sins and believe in our hearts that Jesus died and rose again, we receive the gift of salvation and eternal life (John 3:16). Like the son in the story, our God waits eagerly and patiently for us to repent, rest, and receive our salvation (Isaiah 30:15). He has forgiven us of our past and has restored us to our rightful position in Him (2 Co.5:18). Now, we have access to our heavenly father who is faithful (Ps.92:2), kind (Job 10:12), forgiving (Psalm 103:3), patient (2 Peter 3:9), and loving (Psalm 144:2).
The book of Jeremiah, Chapter 31 verse 3 (NIV) states that, “The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.'” This scripture verse reminds us about God’s steadfast love and kindness to the Israelites, how He miraculously delivered them out of the land of Egypt when they faced tremendous trials at the hand of Pharaoh (Exodus 12). God is the same God, yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:6 NIV). What He did for the Israelites he will do for us. We serve a God who is concerned about us. He will keep us and overshadow us with His love. His love will carry us through the storms of life. Nothing can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:39). I pray that, as you continue on your journey, whether the roads are rough or smooth, that you will position yourself to embrace the unconditional love of God and partake of the abundant life He has prepared for you today.
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