Taming Temptation: God’s Part in My Temptation
The Father Waits

Scripture: Luke 15:11-24

Key Verse: Luke 15:20

So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

The first thing we notice in Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son is that the father gave to his son what he demanded.  The son demanded his inheritance before it was the normal time to receive it.  That is what we are doing when we demand our way over God’s way in this life.  We want this life to be like what heaven is going to be: satisfying to our every need and want.  When we are willing to sin against God, in order to satisfy a want of our flesh, we become just like this wayward son.

            Secondly, the son went his own way and wasted all the good things his father had given him on the passing allurements of the world.  The sad fact is, too many of us are willing to waste our talents and money on this world’s values, which soon pass away.  Our Father wants us to take what he has provided to us and invest it into eternal values that will last!

            Finally, after the son hits the “bottom of the barrel” he comes to his senses.  He decides to go home and plead for mercy from his father.  Then comes our printed key verse for today: the father sees him coming and runs to him!  Yes, our Father in heaven is faithful.  He is faithfully waiting for us to take one step toward Him!  When we do, He is full of compassion; with His arms open to receive us!  We might feel like this prodigal son, that we will need to plead to gain reentry into the blessings of God, but the truth is no pleading is necessary.  Our slightest whisper of repentance is all that is needed!

“Father, your faithfulness is hard for me to fathom, especially when I fail you.  Thank you for always having your arms open to me!  I bless your name!  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”