Laced With Grace – Christian Devotions

Oh Come to The Altar

By Iris Nelson January 19, 2018 Devotion, Hope, Inspirational

Communion Cups

“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.'” ~ Luke 15:20-21 (NLT)

One of my favorite parables Jesus taught His disciples is the story of the Lost Son (see Luke 15:11ff). I have shared my story before, so I don’t want to bore you with all the details, but I want to share the main points with you and why I can so identify with the prodigal son (maybe some of you can too).

You see, I grew up in a Christian home. My great-grandfather was a traveling Pastor in the German Lutheran Church. I never heard him preach, because by the time I was born, he had retired. I just remember that I was afraid of him. Our dad taught us many Scripture passages; however I didn’t know it at the time. We went to church regularly. I really don’t remember when we stopped going to church, but faith was still very much alive in my family.

Fast forward…In 1991 we made a big move. Our small family of three (hubby, son, and me) left Germany to live in Arizona. My husband is originally from the United States (Illinois), our son has dual citizenship, and I still have my German citizenship. A month after we made the move, my dad passed away at the age of 53. My dad lost his fight with cancer. I had a really hard time reconciling with God why He would take my dad in the middle of his life. It took several years to get past the death of my dad. I started attending a Lutheran Church here in Arizona…

In 2003, one of my friends from church invited me to a Beth Moore conference at North Phoenix Baptist Church. You see, up until then, I had only head knowledge of God, Jesus, and the Gospel. I remember that Friday night…I was in tears, falling on my knees…finally understanding what Jesus did for me. I was a prodigal…finally returning home to the Father. His arms were open wide…welcoming me home. I still get goosebumps when I think about that Friday night. Every day since then, I marvel that His love was so great, that He took the nails for me and my sin.

My sweet friends; if you have walked away from the loving arms of the Father, know that He is waiting for you with open arms. No sin is too great for His unfailing love. Read the story of the prodigal son and see how much the Father loves you and me.

Lord of Heaven and Earth. Thank You for calling me by name. Thank You for Your arms wide open. I am forever grateful for your amazing grace. Lord, if there is someone out there today who needs to hear Your voice, allow them to hear. In the precious name of Jesus. Amen

Tagged on: , , ,

4 thoughts on “Oh Come to The Altar”