Pastor Stephen Dedman

He Came Home

“And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.”
Luke‬ ‭15:20‬

The parable of the lost son spoken by Jesus is probably one of the most popular parables. It’s a story of a son who left home with his father’s inheritance and squandered it all in sinful living.

After he came to his senses and humbly went home to where he was received with open arms and lots of love. What a great redemptive story.

While this parable is loaded with truth about God’s grace and how He is our Heavenly Father and He is waiting for anyone to come to Him, there is something special here in this passage for us all to receive.

The picture that is presented in this verse is a welcoming Father who still wants a relationship with His child even though he has lived rebelliously. God never turns His back on His own. God will never reject someone that belongs to Him.

God loves you and will not let anything come between you and Him. You may turn your back to God, but He is still right where He once was.

After the lost son returned home, his father gave a big party for everyone to celebrate with him. Then the father gave his son a the best robe, placed a ring on his finger, and put shoes on his feet.

This is a symbol of the love of a caring father. The father wanted his son to know he was loved unconditionally. This is how we are to show love and support to people around us, especially those who we call “brothers and sisters” in Christ.

Pray

Lord, thank you for receiving me just as I am. Thank you for loving me and welcoming me as you do so well. You clothe me and set me apart for your glory.

Jesus Wants To Comfort You

“And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.””
‭‭Luke‬ ‭19:5‬ ‭

The story of Zacchaeus took place while Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem for the triumphal entry. Zacchaeus did something most grown men wouldn’t do and that was climb up into a tree so he could watch Jesus as he walked by.

To his surprise Jesus stopped beneath the tree, looked up and called Zacchaeus by name. And as we read in today’s verse, Jesus wanted to go to his house and have a personal meeting with him.

Zacchaeus didn’t have a reputation for being a devout, moral man. He was a chief tax collector which meant he made his riches by taking advantage of the working class. Although his name means “pure one” he didn’t get much respect from other people to say the least.

But the day Jesus walked by all eyes were on Zacchaeus. Jesus made it a point to call him by name and show him some attention. After meeting with Jesus, he was transformed.

This passage of scripture helps us to know that when we feel forgotten or abandoned by others Jesus knows us by name. He knows our hearts and he wants to comfort us.

There is nothing that can stand in the way of Jesus loving us and making us feel special. Just as Zacchaeus had a personal invitation to meet and talk with Jesus, we too have that opportunity to share what’s on our minds or what’s weighing heavy on our hearts.

We don’t have to wait for Jesus to come to town nor do we have to fight our way through a crowd just to speak to Him. We have the convenience of praying at anytime and from anywhere. Do you spend time with Jesus in prayer? He wants to spend time with you.

Pray

Lord, you know me by name and you know my heart. Help me to know your heart and your desires. I want to be used by you.

Is God Seeking After You?

‘Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?”’
Genesis 3:9

God’s first words to Adam immediately after he sinned were, “Where are you?” Notice closely that God didn’t say, “I know what you’ve done.” God knew exactly what had happened and knew exactly where he was, but He was seeking after Adam.

God was not angry and He was not interrogating Adam and Eve. God’s heart was broken because there was a great gulf fixed between them and there must be a bridge built to connect man back together with God. The question was meant to make Adam realize that he was lost.

The question was also meant to encourage Adam to confess his sin. He could not plead the Fifth! He had to answer to God and give an account.

Satan’s goal is to cause separation between God and man. But God provides a perfect way for man to come back into fellowship with Him. Jesus says, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” – John 14:6

Where are you? Where are you in your relationship and fellowship with God? Are you close or are you hiding? You cannot plead the Fifth.

Pray

Lord, thank You for creating me and desiring to be with me. Thank You for providing a way through Jesus for me to be with You. Today, I draw close to You.