Every time we enter into a new level of spiritual maturity, it comes with new schemes of opposition.  The enemy never desires for us to gain a deeper and further revelation of God’s Word because when we hear God speak, it feeds our faith and starves our doubts that disarm the enemy.  Indeed, it is our revelation knowledge of the truth of His Word that sets us free.

“Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.  And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31-32)

The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God (2 Corinthians 10:4), thus the more spiritually mature we get, the more we are to be equipped to position ourselves in the victory that Jesus won for us.  This does not come by seeking answers nor imitating the ideals and opinions of the cultures around us, but by being inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how we think (Romans 12:2).

I just read through the story of the woman who was caught in the act of adultery.  In the eyes of self-righteous men, they all thought that Jesus would have the same thoughts as they had, to stone her to death.   Little did they know that God’s thoughts and ways are higher that brought a surprise to them when Jesus said, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” (John 8:7).  This revelation of God’s grace in itself is a whole new level. 

And when Jesus turned to the woman, “He said to her, ‘Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?’  She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.””  (John 8:10-11)

Mind, you, the conversation did not stop there.  Jesus went on to say, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:12).

This, I believe, is the key to a changed life: when the woman was forgiven and set free, and then commanded to go and sin no more, Jesus revealed the way out of that same rut of bondage. He showed that true freedom is found in following Him—the Light of the World—whom no amount of darkness can ever overcome.

Another powerful story of God’s amazing grace is when the prodigal son came to his senses and headed home after he had fully squandered his inheritance.  He was not met with condemnation from his father, but collided with grace. 

In truth, his father’s love took his homecoming to another level.  Yes, he rehearsed what he was about to say on his way home, “I’ll get up and return to my father, and I’ll say, ‘Father, I have done wrong—wrong against God and against you. I have forfeited any right to be treated like your son, but I’m wondering if you’d treat me as one of your hired servants?” (Luke 15:18-19 Voice), but when the father looked off in the distance and saw his son returning, he was filled with compassion, ran out to meet him, enfolded him in an embrace, and kissed him.  Before the son could even finish his rehearsed words, the father turned to his servants and said, “Quick! Bring the best robe we have and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and shoes on his feet.  Go get the fattest calf and butcher it.  Let’s have a feast and celebrate because my son was dead and is alive again. He was lost and has been found.” So they had this huge party.” (Luke 15:22-24)

The son’s restoration was on an entirely new level.  It was remarkable, considering how this younger son had taken his inheritance and run off while his father was still alive.  The Voice translation words meant quite heavy, “Father, eventually I’m going to inherit my share of your estate.  Rather than waiting until you die, I want you to give me my share now.” (Luke 15:12 Voice). 

In our nation, it is unthinkable that someone would dare to ask a father for his or her inheritance while he is still alive. It is deeply unbecoming.  Yet, in this parable the father liquidated the assets and gave the younger son’s portion at his request.  He may have wasted all he had on wild living, but when he came home, he still was considered a son in his father’s home.

I love how the father demonstrated his son’s full restoration and total acceptance by giving him the best robe to put on, the robe of reconciliation.  He put a ring with the family’s seal or crest on his son’s finger signifying he was once again given authority to transact anything on behalf of the family.  He called the servants to put the sandals on his feet as a mark of sonship.  Barefooted people in the house were servants who belong to someone and void of destiny.  And one more thing that the father did.  He commanded his servants to “go get the fattest calf and butcher it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate …” (Luke 15:23 Voice).  A fatted calf is one that is special and set apart since birth to be slaughtered for people of great significance.  It is considered to have the best meat reserved for the best people as expression of utmost honor.  The feast was not meant for the immediate family alone, but as a joyful celebration shared with the entire community.  It was the father’s great pleasure to announce to everyone how deeply grateful he was to have his son back home, despite the shame and hardship the son’s actions had brought upon the family.

Wouldn’t you agree that this depicts an entirely new level of restoration?

Oh, how deeply I love this parable.  It is so of our Heavenly Father’s heart … how celebrated we are before His throne ALL BECAUSE OF THE FINISHED WORK OF JESUS.  He saves to the uttermost.  All we need to do is to acknowledge our sinfulness, just as the prodigal son did when came to his senses, turned away from his wayward ways and proceeded back home. 

“He is able to keep you from slipping and falling away, and to bring you, sinless and perfect, into His glorious presence with MIGHTY SHOUTS OF EVERLASING, ECSTATIC, EXCEEDINGLY JOY.” (Jude 1:25)

Repentance is always met with God’s love, mercy, and grace. When we believe in our hearts and confess with our mouths that Jesus is our Lord and Savior, we are saved and lifted into the newness of life as new creations in Christ.  Our identity changes.  The ranking of the voices we listen to is rearranged.  Our desires begin to align with His will, and our thoughts are brought into harmony with His truth.

Indeed, right hearing leads us to right believing, and right believing leads us to right living. 

Our changed lives come not by our own might nor by our own power, but by the Spirit of God dwelling within us.  A new level of transformation is at hand IN CHRIST.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, thank You for Your great and unconditional love that anytime, any day, anywhere we are with Your open arms welcome to come home.  Thank You, Jesus, for Your shed blood that made us new.  No more darkness.  No more shadows.  No more going back for You make all things new in You.  Thank You for giving us the Holy Spirit to abide in us forever.  No more distance.  No more separation.  We are now in Christ and Christ is in us, the Hope of glory.  Thank You, Holy Spirit, for guiding us and always pointing us to the truth that sets us free.  Amen!