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Accepted

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I love the story of the prodigal son. It’s such a deep story with so many layers and applications. For just a moment, focus with me on the end of the story. Imagine being that young man thrust in the middle of the banquet. He was surrounded by family and friends who had known him since he was a kid, but they also knew his story. Everybody there knew what he had done, knew how he had disrespected his father, knew how he had lived his life. They’d heard all the gossip about the immorality, the prostitutes and the partying.
How do you feel? Uncomfortable? Ashamed? Undeserving? Afraid of rejection?
Ephesians 1:3-6 contain some of the most mind-blowing truths in Scripture, and it finishes up with God’s grace “by which He made us accepted in the Beloved”. Accepted- highly favored, honored, showered with blessing.
As the boy journeyed home, his only concern was how his father would receive him. His father welcomed him joyfully, his heart overflowing with love. How does our Father receive us? The very same way. Everyone at the banquet shared the father’s heart and rejoiced that the boy was home. Only those outside the banquet resented the grace the father showed him.
I need to focus on my Father, who accepts me, favors me, showers me with blessing. The people outside the banquet- He’ll deal with them in His wisdom just as the father in the story approached his older son.
When it’s someone else’s banquet, I need to make sure which side of the door I’m on- the rejoicing side or the pouting side.

I love the story of the prodigal son. It’s such a deep story with so many layers and applications. For just a moment, focus with me on the end of the story. Imagine being that young man thrust in the middle of the banquet. He was surrounded by family and friends who had known him since he was a kid, but they also knew his story. Everybody there knew what he had done, knew how he had disrespected his father, knew how he had lived his life. They’d heard all the gossip about the immorality, the prostitutes and the partying.

How do you feel? Uncomfortable? Ashamed? Undeserving? Afraid of rejection?

Ephesians 1:3-6 contain some of the most mind-blowing truths in Scripture, and it finishes up with God’s grace “by which He made us accepted in the Beloved”. Accepted- highly favored, honored, showered with blessing.

As the boy journeyed home, his only concern was how his father would receive him. His father welcomed him joyfully, his heart overflowing with love. How does our Father receive us? The very same way. Everyone else at the banquet shared the father’s heart and rejoiced with him. Only those outside the banquet resented the grace the father showed the prodigal.

I need to focus on my Father, who accepts me, favors me, showers me with blessing. The people outside the banquet- He’ll deal with them in His wisdom just as the father in the story approached his older son.

When it’s someone else’s banquet, I need to make sure which side of the door I’m on- the rejoicing side or the pouting side.

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  • Lauren

    I feel guilty often, even for things I don’t do. I also want to please, and sometimes forget people are proud..especially with those “good feeling’s gone” moments. But this post really shows how much God loves us! Thanks for the post!

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