Seek the LORD while he may be found. Call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts. Let him return to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, to our God, for he will freely pardon.
–Isaiah 55:6-7
Today’s verse may sound like a familiar parable Jesus told (see Luke 15:11-32).
Isaiah 55:6-7 is the lesson of the prodigal son!
Long before Jesus came, the prophets, like Isaiah, were talking about God’s loving heart. They wanted people to understand that no matter what a person has done — no matter how wicked, or sinful, or willful someone’s life has been — God is ready and willing to forgive any who are sorry for their sins.
The Almighty is forgiving. He is patient with us. He is eager to embrace us, to gather us back into His care. When we return to Him, awakened from our sin overdose, sorry and desperate to turn our lives around, He promises to forgive us. He will help us.
God knows that sometimes it takes some groveling with pigs, some brokenness, some loss to lead us to yearn for a better life. Like the father of the prodigal, He will let us go our own way. He lets us choose. He gives us time to realize the misery we experience without Him in our lives. And He is always ready to welcome us home. We have a good Father.
Don’t walk away from Him.
Prayer
Heavenly Lord, Please take me back into Your loving embrace. Forgive me for my sinful path. Keep me close to You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Reflection
Who do I know of who is on the run from God? I will write a prayer and say it for them today.