GOD USES IMPERFECT PEOPLE

GOD USES IMPERFECT PEOPLE!

Luke 15:18-24

18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,

19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.

20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.

22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:

23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:

24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

           The prodigal had taken his inheritance and squandered it on cheap liquor, fast women, and false friends. His proper self-evaluation was that he was unworthy of his father’s love and blessings. It was a correct evaluation.

           The word “worthy” is from the Greek axios (ax’-ee-os) deserving or suitable. The prodigal had disqualified himself from due reward. His brother, perhaps fearing he would now squander what was left, eager agreed. He was not worthy to return home. Yet the father saw through the eyes of love.

           It is Sunday and perhaps you are thinking that you are not even worthy of worship this morning. Maybe you should just skip until you feel a bit more worthy of sitting with the saints. The true and good news is that you will be in good company. Saints are not those who have been canonized but those who have been MADE worthy by the mercy and grace of a loving God. That is precisely why we worship.

           Charles Spurgeon, commenting on John 21:12 says: “In these words the believer is invited to a holy nearness to Jesus. "Come and dine," implies the same table, the same meat; ay, and sometimes it means to sit side by side, and lean our head upon the Saviour's bosom.”

Dear Lord, I know that I am unworthy of the least of Thy blessings yet you have made me worthy. I will, therefore, come and worship. AMEN