The Bridge Week 5 Devotional
Day 1: The Journey Home
Devotional
Have you ever found yourself far from where you intended to be? Not physically, but spiritually? It happens gradually - small compromises, subtle distractions, tiny steps away from God until one day we realize we've drifted far from home. The beautiful truth is that no matter how far we've wandered, there's always a path back. God doesn't wait for us to find our way alone - He actively watches and waits for our return. Just like the father in the parable who scanned the horizon daily for his son, our heavenly Father's eyes are always searching for us, longing for our return.
Bible Verse
"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." - Luke 15:20
Reflection Question
What small compromises or distractions might be causing you to drift away from God right now?
Quote
"We drift away, little by little, with small compromises and distractions. And before we know it, we're far from where we ever intended to be."
Prayer
Father, help me recognize when I'm drifting away from You. Give me the courage to take the first step back home, knowing You're watching and waiting with open arms. Amen.
Day 2: Running to Grace
Devotional
In Middle Eastern culture, it was considered undignified for an elderly man to run. Yet in this parable, we see a father who casts aside cultural norms and his own dignity to sprint toward his returning son. This isn't just a father walking to greet his child - it's a picture of God's eager desire to restore relationship with us. He doesn't stand back with arms crossed, waiting for us to crawl our way to Him. Instead, He takes the initiative, closing the gap between us with love and grace that defies cultural expectations and human logic.
Bible Verse
"So he got up and went to his father. 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." - Luke 15:20
Reflection Question
What keeps you from believing that God would run to meet you in your brokenness?
Quote
"The father had every right to stand there and wait for the son to return to him, but instead he chose to run to him."
Prayer
Lord, thank You for being a Father who runs toward me, not away from me. Help me embrace Your unconditional love and grace. Amen.
Day 3: Grace That Celebrates
Devotional
God's grace goes beyond mere acceptance or tolerance - it celebrates. When the prodigal son returned home, his father didn't simply allow him back with a stern lecture or probationary period. Instead, he threw a party! This extravagant response shows us something profound about God's heart. He doesn't just forgive us grudgingly or accept us reluctantly. He celebrates our return with joy. This is the kind of grace that transforms lives - not because we've earned it, but simply because we belong to Him.
Bible Verse
"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.'" - Luke 15:18-19
Reflection Question
How might your life look different if you truly believed God celebrates your return to Him?
Quote
"God's grace doesn't just tolerate us, it celebrates us."
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me grasp the depth of Your celebrating grace. Let me live in the joy of being Your beloved child. Amen.
Day 4: Beyond the Rules
Devotional
The older brother in the parable represents those who miss the heart of God's grace because they're too focused on rules and records. His reaction reveals a heart more concerned with fairness than family, with merit than mercy. He couldn't celebrate his brother's return because he was trapped in a mindset of earning and deserving. Sometimes we can fall into the same pattern - focusing so much on religious performance that we miss the beautiful relationship God offers us.
Bible Verse
"'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.'" - Luke 15:31
Reflection Question
In what ways might you be letting rules and religious performance overshadow your relationship with God?
Quote
"To the older son - the religious leaders in this example - the record of past behaviors was more important than the relationship."
Prayer
God, free me from the trap of religious performance. Help me embrace the relationship You offer through Your grace. Amen.
Day 5: The Invitation Home
Devotional
The story of the prodigal son ends with an open invitation - will we join the celebration or stay outside? This question echoes through time to us today. Whether we identify more with the younger son who ran away or the older son who stayed but missed the heart of grace, the invitation remains the same. The Father's arms are open, the table is set, and grace is served. No matter what we've done or where we've been, we're invited to come home to a love that celebrates our return.
Bible Verse
"Jesus continued: 'There was a man who had two sons.'" - Luke 15:11
Reflection Question
What's holding you back from fully accepting God's invitation to come home and join the celebration?
Quote
"At this table, grace is not just talked about. It is served and is here for you, friends."
Prayer
Father, thank You for Your persistent invitation of grace. Give me courage to accept it fully and join in Your celebration. Amen.