Nougat 3

Today’s Holy Nougat reminds us of the blessed gift of grace that overcomes our sin.

“Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.” ‭‭James‬ ‭4:8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

A bit of good news when our lives are not wholly on track. God’s eagerly awaiting our decision to draw closer. Because God’s given us free choice, there is a sense in which we are the ones who initiate this process. When we have been close before, it’s somewhat embarrassing to re-invite ourselves back in God’s graces. But that’s the blessing of this message – God’s open to restoring us.

Consider the parables of lost-ness in Luke 15. In the first two examples of lost-ness, neither the coin nor the sheep are fully aware that they were lost. Nevertheless, their owners saw their value to the ‘set’, and the lost items are restored to their original place. Both situations present God as One willing to bring us in; even when we didn’t realize we have strayed.

The parable of the lost sons however, are a completely different picture. For one son intentionally drew away from the father. It was an intentional move to embrace an alternative way of life. Based on the father’s actions at the end, we realize that he was not happy with his son’s choices; nevertheless he allowed the son to go. I presume with his blessings.

How heart-rending that must have been! I don’t think anyone enjoys being rejected, and less so by a loved one. We read between the lines and discern that the father always anticipated the son’s return. That’s why he saw him from the distance and ran to him. Smelly, bedraggled, humbled – none of that mattered – the father was overjoyed that the son decided to draw closer once again!

That’s exactly what James wishes us to understand. We don’t have to wait until our life is perfect – not at all! God’s grace is for now! God is waiting for all the lost children to choose Life in Fullness. And the moment we do; God’s drawing close and restoring us, garbing us as befits a child, and not a servant.

We ought not take this grace for granted,(Romans 6:1-2); rather we just tell others that they also are welcome to come. To draw closer to God, knowing that God is ready and raring to meet them on the way.

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May all we seek be found in Christ