Coming Home: The Way Home

Coming Home: The Way Home

Luke 15:1-2; Luke 15:13-20Hebrews 2:11; 12:13; Psalm 32:2-4; 2 Corinthians 7:9-10

Moving toward home, The Way Home. The Way Home begins with an acknowledgement of the problem. Admitting there is a better option and acting on a mental and heartfelt decision.

Acknowledging there is a problem. Luke 15:15:13-14; Hebrews 12:11; Ecclesiastes 2:11; 12:13 Discipline comes through hardships becomes an opportunity for change. Discipline of God is impartial. Discipline is restorative. Hebrews 12:8. Discipline instructs When the young church heard about what happened to Ananias and Sapphira lying to God (Acts 5:11) “great fear came upon the whole church when they heard.” Wisdom of Solman in Ecclesiastes 2:11 “Yet When I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun. Concluding in 12:13Now all has been heard here is the conclusion of the matter fear God and keep his commandments for that is the whole duty of Man!”  

Admit there is a better way of living and an there is another option. Luke 15:17

Repentance is not always an emotionally charged event with tears and public confession. Repentance means change of mind. Going in one direction then deciding to go in the opposite direction. The prodigal experienced a moment of realization by “coming to his senses. He chooses a new course a change in direction. “go back to my father” Repentance should not be confused with grief.Repentance is not grieving over being caught. Yes, there was grief and sadness for getting caught. King David felt grief in Psalm 32:2-4 “When I kept silent, m bones wasted away through my groaning all day. For day and night your hand was heavy up me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer”.  

Act on the decision. Luke 15:18-20; 2 Corinthians 7:9-10

First, he “set out” to go home. He was changing direction, Second, shame for sinof rebellion in confession. “I have sinned against God and home.” Third, son confesses unworthiness. Finally, he chose be a servant. 2 Corinthians 7:9-10

Coming Home starts with acknowledging a problem. Admitting there is a better way and acting on the decision to change. A opportunity for repentance is turning in a new direction. We lose our way in the spiritual darkness of society, but there is a shepherd who searches, one who is disciplined to look in every corner and a heavenly father who is waiting. Prodigal, please come home either for the first time or from wandering in a foreign land.