I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more. (Isa. 43:25)
The prodigal had it all—possessions, funds, and future—yet he turned from his family, squandered his inheritance, and wasted the gifts and resources lavished on him. When he came to the end of himself, he had only one place to turn: back to his roots and to those who never gave up on him. His father—wronged, mistreated, and forsaken—remembered his wayward son’s sin no more and, with a heart full of mercy and love and forgiveness, accepted him back once again.
This foolish Israelite clan trusted in their own abilities and leaned on their own merits; they squandered the provision God had provided for them. Thinking they knew better, their eyes were blinded to the heavenly leading, and they chose to forge their own path rather than follow the divine footsteps guiding the way.
The prodigal son’s father never gave up hope, and when his son returned, he accepted, forgave, and remembered his son’s sins no more. These passages foreshadowed the redemptive work of Christ, who not only saved us in our sin but from our sin, by stepping into our lives and offering the ultimate redemption. As the father of the prodigal son did, our heavenly Father blots out our failure and transgressions and remembers our sin no more. There is no other precious promise that compares!
Recognize that you are loved—just as if you never sinned!
Susan Gordon lives in Wadsworth, Ohio, where she enjoys serving in local organizations, biking, kayaking, exercising, and spending retirement making memories with her husband and grandchildren.
© 2020 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
