(John 13:1, NKJV)
Let us reflect carefully on the meaning of this powerful statement.
John 13:1 (NKJV)“Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the uttermost.”
The phrase “to the uttermost” speaks of the highest possible degree—the final and complete limit beyond which nothing more can be added. It refers to love brought to its fullest expression, love that lacks nothing.
When we look into the sky, our sight reaches a limit. We may see the stars, but beyond that our eyes can see no further. That boundary marks the end of our vision. In the same way, when we attempt to understand GOD—who is eternal, infinite, and without beginning or end—we eventually reach the limit of human understanding. Our minds cannot fully comprehend Him.
Everything created has boundaries. Human knowledge has limits. Human love has limits. But the love of CHRIST reaches its perfect and absolute fullness.
Therefore, when Scripture says that Jesus “loved His own to the uttermost,” it means He loved them with complete, perfect, sacrificial, and unending love—a love that reaches its climax in the cross.
The love of JESUS cannot be measured, calculated, or exhausted. Its depth, length, width, and height surpass human understanding.
Ephesians 3:18–19 (NKJV)“May be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”
Theologically, this love is rooted in God’s eternal nature. God does not merely show love—God is love (1 John 4:8). The love of Christ flows from His divine identity as the Son of God and is expressed through His redemptive mission.
Jesus Himself defines the greatest expression of love:
John 15:13 (NKJV)“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”
It is natural for someone to sacrifice for a child or a close family member. But friends are different. Friendships can change. Friends may betray, abandon, or turn against us.
Yet JESUS willingly laid down His life for His friends—not just one, but many. Even more astonishing, He did so knowing that among those friends were betrayers, deniers, and hypocrites. Still, He chose the cross.
This reveals a profound theological truth:👉 Christ did not die because humanity was faithful—He died because God is faithful.
Romans 5:8 (NKJV)“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
This is the ultimate expression of agape love—self-giving, unconditional, covenantal love.
Scripture warns that pursuing many friendships without wisdom can lead to ruin. Yet it also reveals the beauty of a faithful friend.
Proverbs 18:24 (NKJV)“A man who has friends must himself be friendly,But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
JESUS is that Friend. He binds Himself to us not by convenience, but by covenant—sealed with His own blood. He calls us friends, not servants, because He has revealed the Father’s will to us (John 15:15).
The love of Christ is not temporary, emotional, or fragile. It is eternal and secure. Those who are in Christ are kept by His power.
Romans 8:33–39 (NKJV) declares that nothing—not suffering,not persecution,not death or life,not angels or powers,not present or future events,nor anything in all creation—can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
This speaks of the assurance of salvation. Our security does not rest in our ability to hold onto Christ, but in Christ’s ability to hold onto us.
If we are loved with such perfect, sacrificial, and eternal love, how should we respond?
The proper response is surrender—giving Him our lives, our time, our hearts, and our obedience.
2 Corinthians 5:15 (NKJV)“And He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.”
What will we say on that day if we ignore this great love today? How will we justify rejecting a love that was proven on the cross?
Today is the day of salvation. If you have not yet received JESUS, receive Him now—through repentance, faith, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
2 Corinthians 6:2 (NKJV)“Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
May the Lord bless you.
Share this good news with others.
May the Lord bless you abundantly.
Print this post
John 11:44
“The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with strips of linen, and his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, ‘Unbind him, and let him go.’”
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Today, I want us to learn an important lesson from the story of Lazarus, who was raised from the dead.
As we know, Lazarus had died, was buried, and had already begun to decay. But when Jesus arrived at the tomb, He performed an incredible miracle—He brought Lazarus back to life.
When Lazarus came out of the tomb, he was completely alive and well. Yet, Jesus did not stop there. He gave a clear instruction: “Unbind him, and let him go.” This shows us that resurrection—new life—is not enough on its own. True freedom requires being unbound.
Even after Lazarus was raised, the burial cloths that bound his hands, feet, and face were still on him. These cloths symbolized the old life he had left behind, and he could not move freely until they were removed.
What does this mean for us?Salvation is like resurrection. When we believe in Jesus, we are spiritually alive, raised from the dead. But many Christians continue to carry “grave clothes” from their old life—habits, fears, resentments, and weaknesses. These old patterns hold us back until we allow ourselves to be unbound.
Those burial cloths—covering the hands, feet, and face—are like spider webs. They prevent movement, vision, and freedom. Many believers, even after salvation, still struggle with pain, jealousy, anger, bitterness, fear, and worry. They cannot move forward because they refuse to be unbound.
Jesus said: “Unbind him, and let him go.” He did not say, “Unbind yourself.” Freedom often requires accepting help and guidance.
This is why God established the Church:
To provide pastors and spiritual mentors who will feed, guide, and nurture us until we grow and mature.
To help us live in fellowship, because trying to live the Christian life alone is like walking with burial cloths still wrapped around you.
God expects us to bear fruit after salvation. There are responsibilities and works for every believer. But if our hands, feet, and faces are still bound by old habits, how can we fulfill His purpose?
To be truly free:
Accept teaching and correction.
Accept prayer and guidance.
Accept fellowship with other believers.
Read the Word, pray, and serve together.
These actions help us be unbound. Salvation alone is not enough to produce lasting spiritual fruit if we try to walk alone, still carrying the chains of our old life.
Sometimes, even our dreams and visions cannot be fulfilled because our feet are still bound—we cannot move forward. Fear the “burial cloths” as much as you fear death.
If you notice behaviors or habits that conflict with your new life in Christ, now is the time to deal with them. Obey, follow guidance, and take responsibility for working out your salvation. Every believer has a role in this process.
The Lord bless you.
Share this message with others.
If you would like help receiving Jesus into your life, contact us at the number provided below this article.
What Does “I Discipline My Body” (1 Corinthians 9:27) Mean?
Answer: Let’s explore this deeper.
1 Corinthians 9:27 (ESV) says:“But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”
When Paul talks about disciplining the body, he does not mean harming yourself physically. Instead, he is referring to training your body and desires to align with God’s will. This spiritual discipline is necessary for anyone seeking to live a life pleasing to God, especially those involved in ministry.
Theologically, this concept is rooted in self-control, one of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Discipline of the body is about subduing sinful or excessive desires so that the Spirit can guide our lives.
Some areas that often require discipline include food and sleep, because overindulgence in these can hinder spiritual growth.
Overeating or constantly indulging without fasting can negatively affect spiritual development. Certain spiritual breakthroughs require fasting and prayer, as indicated in Scripture.
Matthew 17:19-21 (ESV):“Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, ‘Why could we not cast it out?’ He said to them, ‘Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.’ …[But this kind does not come out except by prayer and fasting.]”
Theological insight: Fasting disciplines the flesh and increases spiritual sensitivity. It demonstrates reliance on God, not our own strength, and prepares the believer for spiritual warfare (see also Luke 4:1-4, Jesus fasting before His ministry).
Resisting sleep in order to pray and seek God is another form of bodily discipline.
Mark 14:37-38 (ESV):“And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, ‘Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.'”
Theological insight: Staying awake for prayer shows vigilance and reliance on God. It recognizes that while our spirit desires righteousness, the body is weak. This mirrors the spiritual principle of watchfulness emphasized in the New Testament (Matthew 26:41; 1 Peter 5:8).
Avoiding sin, such as sexual immorality or drunkenness, is not the same as disciplining the body. Sin harms the body and soul, so abstaining from it strengthens both. True bodily discipline is about actively pursuing righteousness, not merely refraining from wrongdoing.
If someone feels enslaved by sin to the point that resisting it causes suffering, this indicates that full spiritual renewal through Christ has not yet occurred. In this case, Scripture calls for:
Repentance (Acts 3:19, ESV: “Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out”)
Baptism in the name of Jesus (Acts 2:38, ESV)
Receiving the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17, ESV)
Romans 8:2 (ESV) confirms the result of this spiritual transformation:“For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.”
Practical Application:
Disciplining the body through fasting, controlling sleep, and resisting sinful desires allows believers to:
Grow closer to God
Experience spiritual breakthroughs
Live in alignment with the Spirit rather than the flesh
May the Lord help us cultivate these disciplines for the benefit of our souls and to glorify Him.
Share this message generously—it encourages others in their walk with God.
The First Epistle of John is a book addressed specifically to three groups of people: children, young men, and fathers. These are not physical children, young men, or fathers, but spiritual stages — spiritual children, spiritual young men, and spiritual fathers.
12 I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his name’s sake. 13 I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, children, because you know the Father. 14 I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.
Each group is described by characteristics that define them.
Concerning spiritual children, John says their sins have been forgiven, and they have come to know the Father. What does this mean?
When a person is new in the faith, the first thing they experience is the lifting of burdens — the heavy weight of sin that once oppressed them. They begin to feel lighter, free, at peace in a way they cannot explain. They feel loved in a unique way. This is why John says: “You are children because your sins are forgiven and because you know the Father.” These two experiences mark the early stage of spiritual life.
For the young men, John says: “You are strong… the word of God abides in you… and you have overcome the evil one.”
This stage represents spiritual growth. Here the believer faces strong temptations, satanic attacks, spiritual battles, and resistance because of Christ. Such a person is called a young man spiritually because, although they are pressed on every side, they do not let go of God. Their prayer life remains active, their study of the Word does not diminish, and even in sickness or hardship they do not turn away from God. Why? Because this is a season when the strength of God works powerfully in them, enabling them to overcome the evil one.
But spiritual fathers are described differently: “You know Him who is from the beginning.”
What does this mean? Why does John not say: “because you have preached much” or “because you have stayed long in Christ”? Instead he emphasizes: “because you know Him who is from the beginning.”
To truly know God from afar — from the beginning — is the mark of deep spiritual maturity. Even the apostles were called our spiritual fathers because they were granted to see God from the beginning, in ways the scribes and priests did not.
That is why the same epistle begins with:
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands…
This was fulfilled when Jesus began to explain to them the things written about Himself from long ago — in the Law of Moses, the Psalms, and the Prophets: how He was present with Israel in the wilderness through the rock, the manna, the bronze serpent; how He appeared to Abraham as Melchizedek; and how He revealed Himself through various signs such as the fish that swallowed Jonah. Yet before this revelation, they did not understand.
44 Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.
Once a person sees God this way, God no longer becomes a God of events but a God of all time. A spiritual child sees God only in today’s events. A spiritual father sees Him yesterday, today, and forever.
To become a spiritual father, you must see Christ from the very beginning of creation, just as He taught the apostles (Luke 24:44).
You must recognize God’s work in your life from the very beginning — even from birth. David became a shepherd of Israel because he recognized God’s hand while he was tending sheep, when God helped him defeat the lion and the bear.
“The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me…”
Likewise, a spiritually mature person can identify God’s hand in many events of their life — even before salvation — and learn His voice.
After being saved, as you walk with God over time, you must learn to recognize His presence in the different seasons you pass through — in hardship, in need, in abundance, and in success. Learn His ways with you. Know Him from the beginning, so you no longer remain a spiritual child.
To become a spiritual father, you must know the God who has been there from the beginning, not just the God of today’s events. Sit down and reflect deeply on your life step by step. Start with the Scriptures: see how God walked with His people. Those who failed to see Him from the beginning complained and eventually crucified Him. But those who recognized Him were transformed and became His apostles.
Become a spiritual father.
God bless you. Shalom.
WhatsApp
Question: Is it appropriate for God’s people to call others by animal names? For example, saying, “Hey hyena, come here,” like how Jesus referred to Herod as a “fox” in Luke 13:32.
Answer: In the Bible, we see people being called by various animal names, such as “wolves” (Matthew 7:15), “sheep” (John 10:27), and “serpents” (Matthew 13:34). Other animal names used include “fox,” “dove,” “pig,” “lion,” and “goat.”
It’s important to understand the context and intent behind these names. These terms were not meant as insults, mockery, or disrespect. Rather, they were used to describe a person’s character or behavior accurately.
For example, when Jesus called Herod a “fox,” He did not intend to insult or demean him. Instead, He was pointing out Herod’s cunning and predatory nature—like a fox that sneaks around and preys on smaller animals. This was evident even at the time of Jesus’ birth when Herod sought to kill Him (Luke 13:32).
So, if someone is described in such a way because of their behavior, it is not a curse or insult according to the Bible.
However, when people use animal names to insult, mock, or show disrespect driven by hatred or anger, that is forbidden in Scripture and is sinful.
For instance, saying, “Hey hyena, come here,” clearly reveals anger, disrespect, or hatred behind the words.
Consider these verses:
Ephesians 4:29 (NIV): “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Colossians 3:8 (ESV): “But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.”
Matthew 5:22 (ESV): “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.”
Therefore, guard your tongue. Always consider the intention behind every word you speak.
Share this good message with others by spreading it around.
QUESTION: I’d like to understand—when we say “Praise the Lord Jesus,” what exactly do we mean? Who should say this greeting, and why do some people say “Shalom” instead?
ANSWER:
The phrase “Praise the Lord Jesus” is a declaration that Jesus is worthy of praise because of the good work He accomplished here on earth.
Jesus is the only person who willingly gave up His heavenly glory and authority to come live on earth for one purpose: to redeem us from our sins. He suffered greatly, was tempted, died, and then rose again. Now He lives and sits at the right hand of God as our mediator (1 Timothy 2:5, Hebrews 7:25).
Through Him, we receive forgiveness of sins, healing of diseases, victory over Satan, blessings, and direct access to God without any barriers—through His blood (Hebrews 10:19-22).
Someone like this absolutely deserves to be praised. That’s why “Praise the Lord Jesus” is an eternal greeting, expressing gratitude for the light and salvation we have received through His good work.
Who Should Say It?
No one is forbidden from saying it, but if a person says “Praise the Lord Jesus” without understanding why Jesus deserves praise, it becomes hypocritical—and God hates hypocrisy (Matthew 23:28).
For example, if someone is not yet saved and says “Praise the Lord Jesus,” they should ask themselves: Praise Him for what, since He hasn’t done anything in their life yet?
It would be like a lost person saying, “Praise Satan”—what would they have to praise Satan for if they have no relationship with him? (Though a traditional healer might say it sincerely because they believe they gain something from Satan.)
This greeting or declaration is most appropriate in worship settings—such as sermons, teachings, songs, prayers, and so on—because that is where Jesus’ work is most clearly demonstrated.
On the other hand, “Shalom” is a Hebrew word meaning “peace.” Anyone can use this word, whether saved or not, because it is more of a general greeting than a statement of faith. It’s similar to how we say “How are you?”—anyone can say it.
But “Praise the Lord Jesus” is a faith-based phrase that should be spoken only by those who have put their trust in Jesus.
Please share this good news with others!
Biblical crying refers to deep distress, tears, or sorrow that continue over a long time without proper resolution or intervention. But it’s not just tears—prolonged sorrow or even sinful joy expressed before God without being laid down is also called crying out.
Now, sins that produce such crying out are different from ordinary sins because they pile up and deeply grieve God’s heart. Their punishment is very severe, as shown in various stories throughout the Scriptures.
We will look at five (5) types of crying out mentioned in the Bible. Perhaps you have been one of the causes of such cries. So repent early, before disaster strikes.
James 5:1-6 (ESV) “Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days. Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the righteous person. He does not resist you.”
Verse 4 says: “Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you…”
This is the cry of all workers—meaning employees everywhere.
The truth is, many employers exploit their workers by withholding fair wages or overworking them while paying them poorly, aiming to enrich themselves.
This is very serious because even if workers don’t speak up or aren’t seen, God hears their cry from below. The end for such employers will be terrible—their wealth will be consumed like the rich man Lazarus.
Make sure to pay your employees what they deserve—not just in companies or organizations but even if you employ a helper at home, gardener, or cleaner. Give them their due on time so that the Lord won’t ruin what you have. Their cries are powerful before God.
We see in the story of Cain, who thought everything was over after killing his brother. But God revealed the spiritual reality: his brother’s blood was crying out from the ground. Cain’s punishment was severe—cursed and rejected by the earth.
Genesis 4:10-13 (NIV) “The Lord said, ‘What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground. Now you are under a curse and driven from the ground, which opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. When you work the ground, it will no longer yield its crops for you. You will be a restless wanderer on the earth.’ Cain said to the Lord, ‘My punishment is more than I can bear.’”
Never kill or incite innocent bloodshed.
The Israelites were enslaved and oppressed in Egypt. They cried out to God, and He heard their cries.
Exodus 3:7-9 (NIV) “The Lord said, ‘I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them… Now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them.’”
The result was Egypt losing everything, suffering for a long time, including many deaths. Never oppress anyone—whether your wife, stepchild, in-law, servant, orphan, widow, or the poor.
Don’t allow this, because their cries reach God, and you will be in trouble.
Revelation 6:9-10 (ESV) “When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony they had maintained. They called out in a loud voice, ‘How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?’”
The suffering of the saints is even more grievous than any other group crying to God. God gathers their cries, part of which is poured out on earth (Revelation 16:4-7), but most of the judgment happens after this life.
Never mistreat God’s people, oppress, shame, or harm them—because God quickly hears their cries.
The pleasures and sinful acts that people engage in, thinking that’s what life is, are actually a great cry reaching God’s heart, saying, “Why don’t you destroy us?” This was the case with Sodom and Gomorrah.
Genesis 18:20-21 (NIV) “Then the Lord said, ‘The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous that I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me.’”
This danger is widespread now—sins like homosexuality and debauchery, luxury, drunkenness, and reckless living rapidly bring God’s judgment. And as we know, these are the end times; one of these days God’s judgment will fall on the earth.
Have you trusted Jesus?
Are you certain that if Christ returns today, you will go with Him?
If you haven’t yet accepted salvation and are ready to do so now, please contact us at the numbers provided at the end of this message.
God bless you.
Please share this good news with others.
Blessed be the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome as we study the Bible—God’s Word, which is the lamp and the light for our path (Psalm 119:105).
Words can affirm something, but actions speak far louder. Let us learn from the Lord Jesus, who demonstrated more through His works than through His words.
When John the Baptist sent his disciples to ask Jesus whether He was truly the One to come or if they should expect another, Jesus did not simply answer, “Yes, I am He.” Instead, He told them to go back and report what they saw: the lame walking, the blind seeing…
Matthew 11:2–5 (ESV) “Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?’ And Jesus answered them, ‘Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them.’”
Do you see? Christ did not use words to prove who He was—His works spoke for Him. His deeds testified about His identity, not only in this instance but everywhere He went.
John 10:24–25 (ESV) “So the Jews gathered around Him and said to Him, ‘How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.’ Jesus answered them, ‘I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name bear witness about me.’”
Notice this: it was the works—the actions—of Jesus that bore witness to Him. So how should we testify? Through our words, or through our actions? Surely, our actions carry far more weight than our speech.
We will be known as Christians by our deeds, not merely by our words. We will be recognized as servants of God by our conduct, not by empty talk. We are shown to be truthful through our actions, not through what we say alone.
If you say you have experienced a change of heart, the evidence of that transformation will be seen in your outward life. If your character is renewed, you can no longer continue stealing, or cursing, or dressing immodestly, or committing sexual sin. The proof of inward change is outward behavior—not just words.
Matthew 5:16 (ESV) “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Let us therefore work diligently to let our actions speak louder than our words.
May the Lord Jesus help us.
Deuteronomy 2:20–21 (NIV):
“That too was considered a land of the Rephaites, who used to live there; but the Ammonites called them Zamzummites. They were a people strong and numerous, and as tall as the Anakites. The Lord destroyed them from before the Ammonites, who drove them out and settled in their place.”
The Zamzummites were a people of great size, strength, and power who lived in ancient times much like Goliath.
In those days, these were the people who caused great fear among nations. They were mighty warriors and advanced in many ways. They built large cities and had powerful weapons. No nation could defeat them by its own strength.
Yet, despite their reputation for great physical power and skill in battle, before God, the mighty Zamzummites were nothing. Goliath was defeated by David, a young servant of the Lord. The mighty ones in Jericho were brought down by what seemed like weak men of Israel. And above all, every “giant” that existed before the flood the ancient Nephilim was wiped out by the Lord in the days of Noah (see Genesis 6:4).
If your “Zamzummite” is sin, tell the Lord to bring it down for by your own strength you will not overcome it. If your “Zamzummite” is a group of people standing against you, ask the Lord to remove them. No matter how strong or powerful they may seem, God has the power to take them away.
What you need to do for all the “Zamzummites” in and around your life to be removed is this: Believe in the Lord Jesus, sincerely repent of your sins, and seek to be baptized properly in much water and in the name of the Lord Jesus. After that, the Holy Spirit will come into your life and completely purify you.
If you have not yet been baptized and would like help with that, please contact us at the numbers provided below.
May the Lord Jesus bless you.
Luke 15:20 (NIV) “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 story of the prodigal son reveals a vivid picture of God’s immense mercy and compassion toward us. After the younger son lost everything living a life of indulgence, he finally decided to return to his father—though with heavy thoughts of being blamed, rejected, or even punished and made a servant. But things turned out to be very different from what he expected… and much better.
Before the son even reached his father, the father had already seen him from afar. Not only that, but the father didn’t wait for his son to come all the way; he ran to meet him.
This is remarkable because, according to traditional culture—then and now—grown men don’t usually run unless there’s an emergency or an overwhelming emotional reason. Adults simply don’t run without cause.
But this father broke that rule. He ran toward his son just like a small child would, and when he reached him, he embraced and kissed him tenderly. You can imagine the intense emotions the father had for his son.
It’s easy to picture a parent welcoming back a child they love who has been away for a long time. But it’s not so easy to see a parent welcome a wayward, proud, and failed child with such overwhelming love—especially after the son had been disrespected, lost his honor, and squandered everything.
This story reveals God’s heart for a sinner who genuinely repents.
Even before you finish asking to be forgiven, God has already run to you and embraced you. His grace to forgive far surpasses the number of sins we have committed.
Maybe you’ve been a prodigal child, returning to sins you had once left behind. What if you repented today in a meaningful way?
You left your marriage repent now. You returned to adultery and disgrace repent now. You went back to drunkenness and indulgence repent now.
God is ready to run to you and forgive you beyond your greatest expectations.
He will also help you. Just as the prodigal son “came to his senses,” you too can come to your senses today and leave behind your old life. No matter how many shameful mistakes you have made, just repent today. Throw away the curses of witchcraft, laziness, theft, and corruption that you have been practicing—and the Lord will heal you.
Remember, dying in your sins leads straight to hell. Why should it be that way when the One who forgives runs toward you?
Don’t hold Him back. Open your heart and return to your Creator.
Shalom.
Share this good news with others by sharing this message.
If you would like help to receive Jesus into your life for free, please contact us at the number below this article.