The Prodigal Son

As was stated a few days ago, I am starting an in-depth look at Luke 15.  And to help out this study, I have begun to read several books.  Two of which are: The Knowledge of the Holy by A W Tozer, and The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen. The chapter read today in Tozer was entitled: The Divine Omniscience, and Nouwen's first chapter is on the Lost Son.  What struck me is that in God's perfect knowledge He knows exactly what us as prodigals are doing when we are off 'spending our inheritance' on worldly living.  I know that seems like a simple understanding of the God and the story, but how many times do we try to hide our sins from God?  God knows everything, and we can sometimes treat God as though He has no idea what we did.  We ask for forgiveness, and hope God wont ask any details. 

I have been thinking a lot about how we come before God and ask for forgiveness of sin.  God offers us His forgiveness right?  But I feel that forgiveness is conditional based upon our forgiveness of those around us (Matthew 6:10-16; Luke 11:2-4).  If we do not forgive others, we will not be forgiven; that is HUGE!  1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."  Through these passages I have come to the conclusion that when I come before God instead of only asking God to forgive, I need to blatantly state all of my sins before Him.  Not because He doesn't know but because I need to come to grips with the reality of my sinfulness.  I am nothing without Him. 

As I journey down this path of learning about forgiveness, I want to know your thoughts too!

On a side note, I will be gone for the next few days.  I am running a half marathon in Wisconsin with family.  I will be back on Tuesday!

In His service, Crazy Pete