Craig Clouston

 Return to the Father

He ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

Luke 15:20

As the young evangelist looked out over those who had come to mourn, he spoke of eternal life through Jesus Christ. At one point, he paused and appeared to be wrestling with something. As he lifted his head, you could sense the battle within was over. “I’ve struggled over whether to share this or not, but I’ve decided I must.

“In my short time of pastoring, I’ve not performed many funerals. Yet, in that short time, I have performed way too many for men from Brinkhaven.”

Weeping could be heard as an acknowledging murmur ran through the church; family members of those he had preached funerals for were present today.

“I’ve decided that to remain silent while young men choose to go their own way, rejecting God’s offer of salvation, would be wrong. Men, today you have a chance to change that. You can return to the Father as the prodigal did, asking Him to make you one of His own; not a second-rate citizen, but one of His own, an heir to His throne!” His voice broke with the passion of his plea. It wasn’t hard to grasp that he did not wish to preside over another unnecessary death.

“Frank was a man of faith, his life dedicated to God. Is yours? If not, I ask that you do something about that today before it’s too late.”

“Amen!” and “That’s right!” echoed through the sanctuary as the evangelist nodded his head. God had taken what the enemy meant for evil and had used it for good.

†

Premature death is too frequently the consequence of poor choices, consequences that are not mandatory. Pride and rebellion are costly, deadly if we treat with impunity God’s offer of eternal life.

That offer remains on the table until we take our final breath. At that moment, we lose any chance of choosing where we will spend eternity.

Until that time, God waits with arms wide open, watching for those who are lost to return.

Prayer

“Lord, I’m weary from all the mistakes I’ve made. I want a new life in Jesus. Forgive my sins and make me one of Your own. In Jesus’ Name and by His blood, I surrender my life today. Amen.”