The prodigal son.

Bible verse for today: Luke 15:24 "For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate" (NIV).

The second part of the parable of the prodigal son says he finally went back home to his father after thinking long and hard about it.

But the amazing thing to take from this parable is this - it is never too late to return to God. He's looking forward to the day we'll come back to our senses after acknowledging that we have sinned. He's willing to let go of our past so we can be free in the future.

The Word for Today devotional by United Christian Broadcasters (UCB) says:

Observe what the father did for his Prodigal Son the moment he humbled himself and said, ‘…I have sinned…’ (v. 18 NKJV), because God will do the same for you. (1) ‘…the father said to his servants,“Bring out the best robe and put it on him…”’ (v. 22 NKJV). Can you imagine what this boy smelled like and looked like, after wallowing in the muck of a pig- sty? Can you identify with him? Good news: God covers our sinfulness in the robe of Christ’s righteousness. And from that point on He sees us ‘in Christ’. Therefore we are always acceptable in His eyes. (2) ‘…put a ring on his hand…’ (v. 22 NKJV). This was the family signet ring used in transacting business.

When placed on wax, it was equal to a signature. More good news: God doesn’t partially restore you, He recommissions you and gives you back full authority to do business in His name. (3) ‘…put…sandals on his feet’ (v. 22 NKJV). The Prodigal Son was getting ready to say to his father, ‘…I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants’ (v. 19 NKJV). In those days hired servants didn’t wear shoes in public; only sons did. How wonderful—his father gave him the full rights of sonship. (4) ‘…bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry’ (v. 23 NKJV). You don’t fatten a calf overnight! The father had been planning this celebration for a long time. He never gave up on his son and the word for you today is: God hasn’t given up on you either! Come back to Him and let Him restore you.