Just some early morning thoughts from me to you…

“A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living. About the time his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve…
When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself…‘I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.”’
So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.”
Luke 15: 13-14, 17-20 (NLT)

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
Isaiah 41: 10 (NLT)

“But even so, you love me! You are holding my right hand! You will keep on guiding me all my life with your wisdom and counsel, and afterwards receive me into the glories of heaven! Whom have I in heaven but you? And I desire no one on earth as much as you!”
Psalm 73: 23-25 (TLB)

The younger son in Jesus’ parable about the love of God, is at the end of himself.

Now, having squandered all his inheritance he asked for and received early from his father, he is desperate. 

In an unfamiliar and far-away-land, simply trying to survive on his own wits and skills. Coming up short, time-and-time again, on his own, against all he is facing.

Maybe some of us can identify. 

Perhaps not as drastic as the younger son’s situation which Luke paints—but we have all probably been there. Or worse.

Bad decisions. Heartbreak. Guilt. Unexpected illnesses. In the grip of addictions. 

Facing what seems to be one last chance, unsure of which way to go. 

Overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty as to even the next step before us.

Hoping for the slightest ray of hope. 

Trying to figure out what we can do, on our own, to get out of where we are.

But then as the parable continues—the younger son comes to his senses. 

And his heart turns. Turns toward home—back toward His father. 

And that’s the message for you and for me in those moments. When we find ourselves all alone, afraid, and uncertain as to what is next. 

Realizing we can’t do it on our own.

Turn back—Behold our God! 

And experience the blessing the younger son received.

Our God, there always, ready to hug, kiss us, forgive us, hold our hand, lift us, and set our feet back on a solid rock with Him.

In the song “Behold Our God,” the songwriters share these encouraging words which the younger son must have felt when he turned and saw his father running to him—

“Behold our God, seated on his throne,
Come, let us adore him.
Behold our king, nothing can compare,
Come, let us adore him.
Who has held the oceans in his hands?
Who has numbered every grain of sand?
Kings and nations tremble at his voice,
All creation rises to rejoice.
Who has given counsel to the Lord?
Who can question any of his words?
Who can teach, the one who knows all things?
Who can fathom all his wondrous deeds?
Who has felt the nails upon his hands?
Bearing all the guilt of sinful man.
God eternal, humbled to the grave.
Jesus, Savior, risen now to reign.
Behold our God, seated on his throne,
Come, let us adore him.
Behold our king, nothing can compare,
Come, let us adore him.”

What are you facing? Feeling all alone? Can’t do it. Don’t know what to do next. 

Here’s a thought from Jesus’ parable—

Turn back—Behold your God!

Behold your God and move forward with Him. 

Now, always, and forever.

In His Name–Scott

Listen and be lifted to Him by this beautiful presentation by the California Baptist Academy chorale and orchestra of “Behold Our God.”