Many happy returns!
There are many things that I love about being a Christian. The forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting have always been my favorites, but lately I have grown to truly appreciate the blessing of the “happy return.” That is, after I have gone astray, wandering into all kinds of worthless distractions and selfish indulgences, I then come to my senses and long to return to God. The Gospel gives me the great assurance that I can get up quickly and return happily to my heavenly Father. I don’t even need to grovel or slink back under cover of night.
“The moment you lift your head out of the filth and mire of this world, you will see Him with outstretched arms ready to receive you once again.”
This is not my experience in most areas of life. Should I fail miserably at work or home, I may never be allowed back. And if I were permitted, it would only be with great hesitation and under a suspicious eye. But Christ’s work on the Cross for me is so complete, I no longer have any wrath to fear (Romans 5:1-11). God has poured out all His righteous anger at Calvary and Jesus has drunk every last drop of it for me. This means that God has only love and goodwill for me and all who have trusted in Christ. He now works all things together for my good, even my trials.
The story of the Prodigal Son is a stunning tale of God’s love for sinners gone astray. (Luke 15). After all the younger son had done to rebel and scorn his father (even preferring the company of swine), yet, when he finally comes to his senses and returns, he is not met with a cold and distant, wounded and embittered, angry and resentful father. His father is not waiting with arms crossed and fingers wagging. No! His father runs to him while he is still far off. Even before the son says a word, the father is embracing and kissing him, rejoicing at his return. There is no probation, only celebration!
Jesus says that this is how God responds to every sinner who repents, no matter how far or how often he has strayed. Christ’s death on the cross was sufficient to cover every last sin with grace to spare. This has been a continual source of joy and relief to me, especially when I find myself wandering in a faithless stupor or feel my affections for God diminishing. At every moment, I may return quickly and happily to my Savior. I do not need to atone for my sins or shrink back in fear, waiting for the hammer to fall. At these tender moments, I sing to myself:
Arise, my soul, arise, shake off your guilty fears. The bleeding sacrifice on my behalf appears.
Before the throne, my surety stands. My name is written on His hands. (Charles Wesley)
Let this be a message to all my fellow believers out there who have been wandering for some time. You’ve been finding excuses to stay away from church. You haven’t opened a Bible or prayed in ages. You’re just plain stuck in your Christian walk…or maybe you’re filled with fear and guilt, perhaps even living a double life. Satan would have you believe that God will reject you. He would appeal to your pride and what remains of your soiled reputation as further reasons to hide. But pay him no heed. Look rather to your Savior. He will not meet you halfway. No, the moment you lift your head out of the filth and mire of this world, you will see Him with outstretched arms ready to receive you once again.
Michael John is the pastor of Market Street Baptist Church in Amesbury, MA.