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)

This is your story (2)

An inward struggle began in that young man’s soul. This story brought back memories of times that he had been trying to suppress.

In his mind he saw his parents before him and sensed the love with which they had cared for him. What bee in his bonnet had made him leave home? He knew how his way of life offended his parents. And when he made his choice between God and his parents, on the one hand, and his “freedom” on the other, he had made the wrong choice. Now he was trying to conceal his sorry situation and his inner loneliness and following other pursuits to eke out his existence.

He went back to the house of that Christian, taking the New Testament. There he learned that the way back was still open to him, not only to his parents, but also to God. He was prepared to confess his guilt before God and accept Jesus Christ as his Saviour by faith.

Then he had the same experience as the prodigal son in the parable he had read to the crowd. God welcomed him as he was without making any reproach. He forgave his guilt and granted him the assurance of forgiveness. Through Jesus Christ and His work of atonement the young man now had peace with God.

“Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1).

(concluded)

Daily Gospel Meditation – 18^th February 2012