Return To Me For I Have Redeemed You

Daily Devotional – Tuesday, February 1, 2022

I have blotted out, like a thick cloud, your transgressions, And like a cloud, your sins. Return to Me for I have redeemed you.

Isaiah 44:22 (NKJV)

The father of the prodigal son is one of my favourite Bible characters. I feel his dilemma when his younger son demanded for his share of inheritance. I believe the old man took time to explain to the misguided son the pros and cons of the boy’s demand.

While the father did not want his son to leave home, he respected the boy’s freedom of choice. The elderly man did not force the younger one to remain at home. I can hear his shaky voice and see his welling tears as he bids the lad farewell.

I Will Arise and Go to My Father

We can decipher from the story that the father was a loving, generous and caring man. When the lost son came to himself, he said,

How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.” (Luke 15:17-18).

The young man has suffered enough. He decides to return home. He would rather suffer at home than abroad. The prodigal son, however, is not sure of his father’s forgiveness. He remembers the fateful day when he departed in shame.

I Am No Longer Worthy to be Called Your Son

As the ragged rebel nears his father’s homestead, he starts reciting his apology. “…and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.” (Luke 15:19). He hopes the old man is still loving and caring.

Now, notice this beautiful statement, “But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.” (Luke 15:20). Apparently, the father would sit facing the road, hoping for the return of his rebellious son.

Return to Me For I Have Redeemed You

While the son was away, the father had already forgiven him. All the dad wanted was his son to return home. He must have prayed and dreamed for that day to come. That is why the reunion was so emotional.

This father symbolizes God and His unconditional love towards wayward human beings. His message to His prodigal children is, “I have blotted out, like a thick cloud, your transgressions, and like a cloud, your sins. Return to Me for I have redeemed you.” (Isaiah 44:22).

God is Waiting for Us to Return

It is comforting to know that if I am alienated from God because of sin, He is on the lookout for my return. He has already forgiven me but I must return home to claim my pardon. My salvation is complete but I must return to my Father to enjoy the benefits of my redemption.

How can we reject such a loving offer of forgiveness from our loving Father?

Loving Father, thank You for your unconditional love, salvation and forgiveness.