All of us have experienced at some point in our lives-- dread! Dread is intense fear, anticipating something with great fear! It is what we experience when the doctor calls to say he needs to see you immediately. It's what we experience when invited to a social gathering, you know that certain people will be there with whom you have a strained or broken relationship. Dread is what Jacob experienced as he anticipated meeting his estranged brother, Esau. And dread is what the prodigal son on his way back from the far country must have experienced as he anticipated what might happen. On the way back, he probably fretted over what might happen. Three possible scenarios. His father may choose not to meet with him. If that happens, he's doomed. His father may choose to publicly shame him. Or his father may choose to grant him an audience, and formally hire him as a servant. One thought that never crossed his mind, nor those listening to the story, was that the Father would instantly and completely forgive. And yet that is what happens. The father loved his son and diligently looked for his return! He was filled with compassion for him. When he recognized his son's gait, he took off running--something grown, dignified men did not do in that culture! He tackled the boy before he got to the village, hugged and repeatedly kiss him, announcing to all that he had forgiven his son, even before the prodigal started his rehearsed confession! His story is ours! Our heavenly Father sought us, was willing to bear the shame himself. Jesus bore the penalty, the shame, and scorn to provide the basis for our forgiveness-- His once-for-all death on the cross!
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