We must be careful not to worship an idol, that is, a false concept of God! It is possible to study the Bible, to attend a church or synagogue, and yet worship a pagan god. How so? By not knowing the heart of the Father; by not honoring the One who passionately seeks our healing. We know the Father by the Son, that is, in “the language of Son” (ἐν υἱῷ) and in the truth of his passion (Heb. 1:2; Luke 10:21-24). Our heavenly Father is eager to forgive and embrace all of his children (John 3:16-17). In Yeshua’s famous parable of the “prodigal son,” the father saw his wayward child a “long way off” and ran to embrace and kiss him – no questions asked, no explanations needed about his past. When the son nevertheless began reciting his carefully prepared speech of regret and repentance, the father barely listened, and in his overwhelming joy instructed his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found’ (see Luke 15:20-25).
Know the heart of the Father… God sees you while you are still “a long way off” (Rom. 5:8). He runs to you with affection when you first begin to turn your heart toward Him. Indeed, God’s compassion is so great that He willingly embraces the shame of your sins and then adorns you with “a fine robe, a ring, and sandals.” Your Heavenly Father even slaughters the “fattened calf” (Yeshua) so that a meal that celebrates your life may be served.
It is never too late to turn to God… The prophet Jeremiah spoke in the Name of the LORD: “Return, faithless Israel, declares the LORD. I will not look on you in anger, for I am kind (כי־חסיד אני), declares the LORD” (Jer. 3:12). When the people drew back in shame, however, God encouraged them by saying “Come back, O lost children; I will heal your faithlessness. “Behold, we come to you, for you are the LORD our God” (Jer. 3:22).
Hebrew Lesson:
