But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
— Romans 5:8
A man was commissioned by a rich art lover to paint a picture of the story of the Prodigal Son from Luke chapter 15. After months of work, the day came when the picture was complete, and he unveiled the finished painting.
The scene was set outside the father’s house, and showed the open arms of each as they were just about to meet and embrace. But one thing stood out in the painting above everything else – the father was wearing one red shoe and one blue shoe.
The wealthy man was incredulous. How could the painter make such an error? He asked the painter, who simply smiled and nodded, assuring the man, “Yes, this is a beautiful representation of the love of God for His children.”
“What do you mean?” he asked.
“The father in this picture was not interested in being color-coordinated or fashion-conscious when he went out to meet his son. In fact, he was in such a hurry to show his love to his son, he simply reached and grabbed the nearest two shoes that he could find. He is the God of the unmatched shoes.”
That’s the kind of God we have – one who loves us with such abandonment, such fervor that He would stop at nothing to welcome us back to Him. Find peace and comfort in that truth today – that your Creator loves you so much that He’d do anything, even give up His own Son, to get you back!
Prayer Challenge
Thank God for His incredible love for you. Ask Him to help you find peace and rest in His arms.
Questions for Thought
What does it say about God that He would send His Son to suffer and die so you could spend eternity with Him?
How might your life look differently if you truly rested in the embrace of God’s love?