March 23 2025 —

 When a wayward child wanders far from home, how does a loving parent pursue them without driving them further away? One thing that parents do is let the child know that there is an ongoing open-door policy. The child knows they will always be welcomed back home. Likewise, when we wander from God, He always keeps His door open for us. But God doesn’t just passively wait for us to return. He lovingly pursues sinners in ways that make them long for home. During this 40-day Lenten journey to the cross and tomb, we will see the surprising strategies our heavenly Father uses for getting sinners back home, close to Him and the loving care He offers.  

The heavenly Father is always present in the lives of his children. He sees every sorrow we endure. He also sees every sin that we commit, even if it’s only in our thoughts. He is always present. Yet, He is also always patient. God does not snap at us the second we turn from him. He gives us time to see the error of our ways. He assures us that the door back to Him remains always open. By giving us room to share our struggles and shortcomings, He works in us the very repentance He desires and saves us from the judgement that would otherwise be ours.