“Don’t tell anyone! It’s a surprise!”
It was the familiar admonition at the end of the invitation. My sister was planning a surprise birthday party for her husband. Most people like pleasant surprises; I certainly do! I appreciate the extra effort that is made by the person(s) planning the event. It is a tangible expression of their love for the recipient. Is it any wonder why I love my Lord and Savior so dearly? He desires to do the same thing for me. In fact, if I chose to recognize it, there are surprises in every event of my life, every moment of the day, even in what initially appeared to be an unpleasant experience. The unexpected temporary closure of a store due to a power failure gave me a chance to spend extra time with my son at his basketball practice and witness him making four three-point shots in a row. A cleanup of a spill of food on the kitchen floor led to the discovery of a broken shard of glass, deposited there several months earlier, preventing a potentially nasty injury. Yet, the most beautiful surprise is the one that He continually offers to me whenever I fail Him and sin.
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.” But his father said to the servants, “Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.” So the party began.
Luke 15:20-24 (NLT)
Most are familiar with the beautiful story of the prodigal son. There are so many lessons that God is teaching us but certainly the most important is when we confess and repent of our sins, God forgives us. This always surprises and delights me.
Let the party begin!
Tell everyone!
Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.
The Bereans Blog 