The First Proclamation Please read Micah 7/14-15, 18-20 prayerfully. Prophet Micah prays and praises God for His guidance, for the fertile pastureland Bashan and Gilean, previously the territory of Reuban. Micah showed great faith in God, for God delights to forgive ungrudgingly, when we repent and confess our sins. Micah presents the true picture of God, the Almighty Lord who HATES sin and LOVES the sinner. God’s people must be just, merciful and humble. Today, the same applies to Christians in a world of injustice, pride, extortion and lying. Act on God’s way to affect our homes, society, country and the world. Psalm: 103/1-4, 9-12 What God does for us tells us what He is really like. We have plenty to praise God, for His compassion, healing, redemption and His immense love. God forgives and forgets. When I feel depressed and life difficult, David’s list to praise God revives me and I begin to count my blessings. Past, present and future. David’s praise focussed on God’s glorious deeds.
The Gospel Proclamation Then Jesus said “There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.’ So he divided his property between them. ... The younger son ... squandered his property in dissolute living. ... I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, I am no longer worthy to be called your son, treat me like one of your hired hands.” ...But the father said to his slaves ‘Quickly bring out a robe ... and put it on him, put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. ... for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’....
Prayerful Awareness Jesus was deeply interested in people and relationships. Luke a medical doctor emphasised on details connecting Jesus to events and people in history. Pharisees were careful to stay ‘clean’ in their ritual washings. Jesus took ‘cleanliness’ lightly. Risked defilement by touching lepers. Jesus did not worry about accusations or reputation. He went to those who needed Him. He told them the parable of the lost son. Here we see that God’s love is constant, patient and welcoming. He will search us and give opportunities to respond, to come to our senses, to be free like the lost son. God accepts the repentant sinner whole-heartedly, and supports and encourages to grow in Christ. It was hard for the older brother to accept his younger brother when he returned. People who repent after leading notorious sinful lives are often held in suspicion, some churches and church-societies are unwilling to admit them to membership. Here we see the older brother - he represented the Pharisees. They were angry that those whom they considered to be sinners were being welcomed into God’s Kingdom.
Prayer Starter Lord help me to rejoice like the angels in heaven, when unbelievers repent and turn to God.
