30th Mar 26 | 13:54
Studies by Book
Luke 15 11-32 To seek and the save the lost - The prodigal son 19 Repentance and brokenness before God
📖 Luke 15:11-32
01Mar2020 - *Repentance and brokenness before God* - _Luke 15:11-32_ - Bible reading: _Jeremiah 3:12-14_
_Luke 15:20-21 “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. (21) And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.'_
The turnaround process was complete but now came the moment of action. We see that he arose and came to his father. Wherever we may be in life, we need to be constantly getting up and returning to our heavenly Father. There would have been fears, doubts, anxieties and it surely would have been a hesitant return. Whereas look at the father’s response. No hesitation…no holding back. Love expressed freely, lavishly and unashamedly, to a person, who had hurt him much.
The son opened his mouth and spoke to his father. He confessed and he repented. This step is necessary in our restoration. It is sad to see that in our times, we see that parents are not teaching their little ones, to open their mouth and say, “I’m sorry”, when they are disobedient.
Why is it required to speak out loud the words of repentance and asking for forgiveness?
Sin is rebellion against God but when we rebelled against God, we were taken captive by satan to do his will _(II Timothy 2:25-26)_ Now, when we return back to God, we must declare to the powers of darkness that we are no more under their authority but we have now come under the authority of God. This is a spiritual discipline. _(Philippians 2:11/ I John 4:2-3)_
_Jeremiah 3:12-14 Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say: 'Return, backsliding Israel,' says the LORD; 'I will not cause My anger to fall on you. For I am merciful,' says the LORD; 'I will not remain angry forever. (13) *Only acknowledge your iniquity, That you have transgressed against the LORD your God*, And have scattered your charms To alien deities under every green tree, And you have not obeyed My voice,' says the LORD. (14) "Return, O backsliding children," says the LORD; "for I am married to you. I will take you, one from a city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion._
God’s wrath will fall on those who are impenitent. _*Romans 2:4-5* Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? (5) But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, *Proverbs 29:1* He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. *Zechariah 7:11-12* But they refused to heed, shrugged their shoulders, and stopped their ears so that they could not hear. (12) Yes, they made their hearts like flint, refusing to hear the law and the words which the LORD of hosts had sent by His Spirit through the former prophets. Thus great wrath came from the LORD of hosts._
*Thought to ponder*
```I shall speak it out loud…again and again, _(so that satan and his forces will know)_ that I’m sorry and that I shall remain under the authority of my heavenly Father.```