“A GREAT WAY OFF” Luke 15:20
Luke 15 – 3 parables of that which was lost (SSS):
- Lost Sheep
- Lost Silver
- Lost Son
What is the overriding divine theme communicated in this beautiful Bible chapter?
THE whole of Scripture testifies to the reality that the LORD delights to restore when we simply come to Him humbly, on His terms.
“And he (the wayward son) arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.” Luke 15:20
From a great distance, when his son was yet far away, the father of the prodigal (wayward) son saw him on the distant horizon. The Father in Heaven has His eye on and longs to restore all those who have left their first love (Rev. 2:4-5). In those story the Savior gave us to unveil the divine heart, this estranged child discovered no peace or fulfillment in that far away land that had promised him such and was coming home to daddy. He was returning home to his father’s house where all the treasure he ever desired always existed and readily awaited his arrival. Yet, is it possible that this prodigal son was expecting to be condemned when he arrived back home? Do we fear that the LORD will reject or be cold to us when we return to Him in repentance? (Hos. 14:1) Are we teachable to learn His nature from His own mouth/Word?
The loving father of the returning child was obviously looking far off into the distance because he longed to have his son back in his bosom and care. We gather this because the Scripture states that he could see him “a great way off.” (Lk. 15:20)
Perhaps the joyful forsaken father wiped a tear from his eye as he watched afar off as his son’s image appeared over the horizon – as he was returning home. Does this not illustrate the restorative love of our heavenly Father who lovingly anticipates the return of every one of His alienated children? Did He not inform us that He is “grieved for the misery of Israel” His very people? (Judges 10:16) His loving eyes view with longing love those who once knew Him and who are now away from Him. Those created in His image have been granted the freedom to choose. God will not force but rather requires that those who come to Him be “willing and obedient.” (Isa. 1:19-20) – “And he (the wayward son) arose, and came to his father.” (Lk. 15:20) The departed son chose to arise and come back to his father. This depicts the involvement of the personal will. Love is never forced.
“For thou, Lord, art good, and ready (postured) to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.” Psalms 86:5
Friend, we must see this picture of the nature of God if we are to understand Him better. Our LORD was giving us a picture of the Father here. Does He condemn those who are distance or have not known Him yet? Let’s let Him answer for Himself:
“For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” John 3:17
“For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” Luke 9:56
Prayed for a dear lady recently. She was elated. She told me today that she was so excited that someone cared enough to pray for her that she went and told her boyfriend. God is able to fill and pour His love through His people saints! He wants to use you beloved. Ask Him!
God is a gracious and forgiven Father to His own:
“He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” Micah 7:19
In light of these Biblical truths revealing the divine nature, may it forever be settled in our hearts that God truly is love and that He longs to restore each and every person who has never come home or who has left home for the time being (backslidden). The Father longs to teach our hearts us so that we experience Him in a fuller way (Deut. 32:1-2; Prov. 4:2; Matt. 11:29; Rom. 15:4). This is His goal. (Ps. 147:3; Jer. 1:10; 29:11-13; Ezek. 36:26, 36; Lk. 4:18, etc.)
Being now enlightened about this truth, what should be our outlook and prayer toward those who are currently not in relationship with the LORD? Make no mistake, their soul is in the balance. He is restoring us, so what should our perspective be of those around us whom He is restoring? How can we be in agreement with and help His process? As “ministers of reconciliation,” how can the LORD use us as restoring agents, helping men find their way back to Him? (2 Cor. 5:17-20)
Jesus teaches that if we any sin at all in our own lives, we are 100% disqualified from pointing out or condemning anyone else for any sin they have in their own life.
“He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” John 8:7
Mercy! Love it! Give it! Preach it!
“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” Matthew 5:7
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32
Be sure of this …. If you die having not forgiven EVERYONE from your heart, hell is your home (Matthew 18:21-35). You will never escape. Repent now. God was and has been unfathomably merciful to you and I and He requires that we show mercy to others – or perish. Look in the mirror at all your own sin and how mercifully God has been with you. Drop the rocks, now. Pray for that person(s) till God’s love overflows in your heart, till you are broken in a million pieces and brought by Him to the place of total brokenness and dependence!
“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. 26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.” Mark 11:25-26
Any questions?
“Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. 3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? 5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” Matthew 7:1-5
Galatians 6:1-2 says:
“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:1-2
WHEN you witness a brother or sister becoming weak, having a fault, or committing sin, GOD’s call for you is to help them be restored to Him and not to run them through with the rusty sword of your own self-righteous judgment (Galatians 6:1-2; James 1:20; Romans 8:33-34).
“For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” James 1:20
May God bless us to be flooded with His love in all of the dimensions that He desires in us – namely to love mercy and walk humbly with Him (Mic. 6:8).
“He hath shown thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” Micah 6:8
NEVER camp out on your sin. RUN to Jesus in repentance and confession! (Prov. 28:13; 1 Jn 1:9)
PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus, I here and now announce the reality that no one needs Your mercy and forgiveness more than this sinner. God help me to walk in humility and love mercy as I seek Your holy face for the deep cleansing I truly need and only You can perform. Jesus, please bless this heart to perceive others through Your mercy, shed blood, and Word of love. LORD, please break and use me to see some come home to You in this late hour. In Jesus’ name, Amen Jesus.
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Articles
Rich in Faith [podcast]

“Them that Love Him”
——WHAT one temporarily has in this fleeting world or doesn’t have, has NOTHING to do with that person’s spiritual state. This is what Jesus taught: “Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” (Luke 12:15) In fact James says:
“HEARKEN, MY BELOVED BRETHREN, HATH NOT GOD CHOSEN THE POOR OF THIS WORLD RICH IN FAITH, AND HEIRS OF THE KINGDOM WHICH HE HATH PROMISED TO THEM THAT LOVE HIM?” JAMES 2:5
James says God chooses those for His eternal kingdom “that love him,” namely “the poor of this world.” We are justified by “faith” and not by what we do or do not temporarily possess in this fleeting life.
IF in your mind you rate people by what they have or don’t have in this fleeting sinful world, you are deeply deceived and in utter need of repentance and the washing of water by the Word of God. You are carnally minded (Romans 8:5-6).
Regrettably, it seems that most people professing to be following Christ, the One who gave all, are not the least bit concerned if their brother or sister has a need. God have mercy upon us and grant us repentance in Jesus’ Name! Are these people truly saved?
“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.” 1 John 3:16-19
“If we are in Jesus we have the unsearchable riches of Christ (Ephesians 3:8). Unfathomable (in our small minds), infinite wealth and spiritual blessings! Endless mercy, grace, and forgiveness. That is inexhaustible! Why do we need any worldly riches that will rot and corrupt our hearts!? Lay up in your hearts God’s riches! Which are eternal!” Karen Cochran
Some have tens of thousands in the bank and could care less to find out if a sister or brother has a need. The Bible assures us that they are not saved. If you have even a little to give and don’t, it’s because you simply have chosen not to know and abide in Christ.
“What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? 17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” James 2:14-17
The financial institutions and their salesmen are vying for your money. They want your money to invest so that you and they earn a financial gain in this life. Christians in need, orphans, and Gospel workers are also available to invest in. To help them is to invest in the LORD’s kingdom and be repaid dividends for eternity. Oh, and your heart will follow where you choose to place your money. Jesus says “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)
PRAYER: Holy Father, please break me and make me Your authentic follower. Jesus I love You. Let me walk as You walked, live as You lived, love as You love. Bless this life You gave to be truly crucified with You – dead, buried, and raised up – a vessel of honor for Your glory! In Jesus’ name.
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Abiding
Safety in Wise Counsel [podcast]

“Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.” Proverbs 20:18
“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.” Psalms 37:23
“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Psalms 90:12
“Safety” in wise counsel from God’s wisdom, Word, and including at times with the help of His beloved saints.
“Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” Proverbs 11:14
“The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.” Proverbs 21:31
“For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.” Proverbs 24:6
Caprice means a sudden and unaccountable change of mood or behavior.
“Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. 14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” James 3:13-18
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Articles
“Let Brotherly Love Continue” [podcast]

“Let Brotherly Love Continue.” Hebrews 13:1
“And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” Ephesians 5:2
1 John 4
God Is Love
“7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.
13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
19 We love him, because he first loved us.
20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.”
1 Corinthians 13
“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.”
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