Rebellion

Rebellion

Isn’t a certain amount of rebellion to be expected—for example, from teenagers?

God’s Response

This younger son . . . wasted all his money on wild living. . . . When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself . . . “I will go home to my father and say, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you.’ ” . . . So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long distance away, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. . . . “We must celebrate . . . for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.” Luke 15:13, 17-18, 20, 23-24

The story of the Prodigal Son is a classic, heartbreaking story of the rebellion of a son against his father. Yes, rebellion is to be expected because all people have a sinful nature. Haven’t we all rebelled against God? And too often, we are slow to forgive when the rebellious one realizes what he has done. We should take the example of the prodigal’s father and continue to love rebellious people until they come to their senses, then welcome them back with open arms.

God’s Promise

Once again you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean! Micah 7:19