Daily Devotional

Saturday, July 7, 2010

“Blessed are those who mourn,

  for they shall be comforted.”

Again we can use the parable of the prodigal son as an example of those who mourn being comforted. The prodigal son left his father’s house for a life of sin and “wild living” as the scriptures describe. It wasn’t too long before the foolish son had wasted away his inheritance, and found himself hungry, lonely, brokenhearted, and rejected by all.

By the grace of God, the son came to himself, became repentant of his sins, and desired to restore his relationship with his father. He was a broken, impoverished, filthy man, and he wept as he walked on his way back home. When he reached his father he declared: “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son, make me like one of your hired men.”

His father reacted by comforting his son, hugging and kissing his son, and giving him a fine garment to wear. He ordered his servants to put shoes on his feet and a ring on his finger, and to prepare a great feast to celebrate his son’s return.

The father cried: “This son of mine was dead but is now alive; he was lost but now is found" (Luke 15:24).

We are the prodigal sons and daughter of God, and when we return to him, he welcomes us with open arms into relationship. The heavens rejoice and there is a great celebration every time one of God’s sons or daughters is restored into righteousness. He is waiting to forgive and comfort us.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for your promise that those who mourn will be comforted. Thank you for taking me back despite my filth. I confess that I will be tempted to stray again, and I pray that you would give me the strength to resist such temptations. Thank you, Lord, for your mercy and forgiveness.