Eating Crumbs

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.  Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate.  For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. And they began to celebrate.” – Luke 15:20-24

The story of the Prodigal Son is one that, when made personal, has the power to touch your heart in a deep and moving way. The last few words of the passage above brought tears to my eyes when I visualized myself hearing God say the words, “This daughter of mine was dead and is alive again; she was lost and is found. Let’s celebrate!”

The Father had not only forgiven his son, but had clothed him and prepared a feast to celebrate. He has done the same for each and every Daughter of The King!

But what if the son had settle for eating the crumbs from the table that he had longed for when he was feeding the pigs? If he refused to enter the feast that was prepared for him and remained outside? How heart broken that would have made the Father. The Father had prepared a feast and His intention was that they would feast together – not that his son would eat only the crumbs or settle for less than everything He willing gave and prepared for him.

As I thought about this I discovered that many times I settle for the crumbs when God is offering a feast. Perhaps it’s because I haven’t fully understood the amazing extent of His grace and at times, feel unworthy, thinking that the crumbs are better than I deserve. Sometimes it’s because I listen to the enemy who tells me I have to earn my way to the banquet.

The truth is that I’m not worthy and I cannot earn a seat at the table. But the greater truth is that because of the precious blood of Christ, my sins are forgiven, I’ve been redeemed and clothed in His righteousness and it’s only by His work (death and resurrection) that I am now alive, found and invited to the feast.

I think I’ll go the feast and feel my Father’s embrace.