THE PRODIGAL SURROUNDED BY THE SWINE OF SIN AND DEATH.

THE FATHER, OUR GRACIOUS HEAVENLY FATHER, RUNNING OUT TO MEET YOU, HIS RETURNING SON.

If your sin oppresses you and weighs you down, then hear the parable of the Prodigal Son. (Luke 15:1-32)

You are the prodigal son, at all times ripe with sin and death from which you can in no way free yourself. Every day you feast with swine and in the place where sin delivers you when you want things your way.

God the Father is the Father of the prodigal, of whom it is said,

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him."

“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate."

So the Father receives you in Christ, running toward you as though He is running a race to embrace you and kiss you. What you have done does not matter, your confession does not matter, only the Father’s love and mercy in Christ matters. We retain confession for the sake of absolution. Nothing of you sin is remembered and blessed is the man (you are that man) whose sin is not counted against him. (Psalm 32)

In baptism you have put on Christ, you have clothed yourself in Christ, that is your adornment, your robe, your ring, your sandals, now sit and feast, the victim has been slaughtered. Eat of His precious body, Drink of His holy and innocent blood and celebrate. Amen