From desperation to glory

     I was reading that familiar parable of the prodigal son.  When the prodigal son decided to go back home, he said to himself "I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men.'" (Luke 15:18-19)

     The mercy and grace of God are woven together in such a beautiful tapestry when we repent and believe!  When we come to that point of desperation, we in effect say the same as the prodigal son: "Lord, I have sinned against heaven and in Your sight; I am not worthy to be called Your child; make me as one of Your hired [men, women]."  But God in His abounding love looks upon us tenderly and says "You are not only saved and forgiven, but you are My child!"  He owns us, but rather than abuse us as slaves, He makes us sons and daughters.  Think of that!  Sons and daughters of the King of Kings!

     Isn't it incredible?  The Lord saved us from our sins, but did not just leave it there.  We are no longer separated from God, but have continual fellowship with Him.  We are no longer plagued by the fear of man, but by the fear of the Lord we gain strength to fight our flesh.  The list could go on and on!

"Jesus didn't just set us free from bondage--He gave us an inheritance.

He didn't simply pay our debt--He gave us His bank account of righteousness.

He didn't merely release us from Satan's grip--He asked us to be His bride.

He takes us from dungeon to palace.  Ashes to beauty.

Rejected to cherished.  Starving to feasting."

Grace Mally, "Will Our Generation Speak?"

     We should be living in constant gratitude.  When we just sit down for a minute in our busy days and ponder everything the Lord has done for us, it changes our whole countenance and perspective!  It is easy to forget how much He has really given us until we realize how lost we once were--without any hope of eternal life, without any guidance from God. No peace. No joy.  But we are not separated from Christ any longer!  Through Him we have assurance, infinite guidance, the peace only God can give.  We should radiate joy inexpressible and full of glory (1 Peter 1:8)!