Daily Devotional

March 4, 2026

Theme: The Compassion of God

Read: Joe 2:27; Luke 15:11-32

“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.”

(Luke 15:20)

We often call this story “The Parable of the Prodigal Son.” The word prodigal means “wasted,” but it could also be called “The Parable of a Loving Father.” The God of the New Testament, the Father of mankind, is most clearly revealed as "a God full of compassion." His compassion extends to the entire human race. The word compassion is the translation of “racham,” meaning “to love,” “to pity,” or “to be merciful.” He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 18:32; 33:11).

In the East, old men don't run; yet the father ran to meet his son. Why? One obvious reason was his love for him and his desire to show that love. But there is something else involved. This wayward son had brought disgrace to his family and village, and according to Deut 21:18-21, he should have been stoned to death. If the neighbors had started to stone him, they would have hit the father who was embracing him! What a powerful picture of what Jesus did for us on the cross!

Second, everything the younger man had hoped to find in the far country, he discovered back home: clothes, jewelry, friends, joyful celebration, love, and assurance for the future. In the far country, the prodigal son learned the meaning of misery; but back home, he discovered the meaning of mercy. What made the difference? Instead of saying, "Father, give me!" he said, "Father, make me!" Jesus said, we must be compassionate as our Father is compassionate. (Luke 6:36). Father, make me.

As you pray, Ask the Father to melt us and mold us into the person He wants us to be. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

By Rev. Godfrey Kyome