He Chose to Reconcile (Forty Days with Jesus – Day 17, Mar 8th)

16 Mar He Chose to Reconcile (Forty Days with Jesus – Day 17, Mar 8th)

Read Luke 15:11-32

Thought for the Day: In times of exile, it is time to come home!

Simba hadn’t done anything wrong. While his Uncle Scar had manipulated him into believing that he was responsible for the death of his father, it was a clear and plain lie. Yet, it was fear that caused Simba to run away and face years of exile. Soon after, when he met two new friends who encouraged him to put his “behind” behind him, Simba decided he would simply let the past stay in the past. And this seemed to work… for a short time at least… until his past caught up with him and he realized he needed to go home! No matter how difficult things were, Simba learned that he couldn’t out-run his past forever.

Just as The Lion King reminds us that we can never out-run our past, Jesus’ story of the Prodigal Son shows us that in times of exile, it is time to come home! After carelessly spending his entire inheritance, the son knew it was time to return home and face hard truths. He returned from a place of honesty and humility: “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” While the father showed unprecedented grace and forgiveness, it is important to remember that the Prodigal Son returned without expectation. He knew that it was time to make amends and was willing to come home.

In this season of Lent, we need to remember that Jesus chose to reconcile us. Reconciliation must come from a place of honesty and humility. Throughout His ministry, Jesus continually practiced humility and accepted situations as they were. He calls us to do the same. Each of us faces situations in our lives where we are called to come home and make amends. Let’s do so with courage and humility!

Reflect & Pray – Am I willing to see that reconciliation starts with Jesus and then continues with me? Am I willing to repent of my sinfulness? God, please give me the courage to come home and make amends!