THEME: RECONCILIATION

Sermon
Date: 30th March 2025
Occasion: 4th Sunday in Lent

Venue: PCG, LIVING BREAD CONGREGATION, TANTRA HILL
Text: Psalm 32:2; 1 Corinthians 5:16-21; Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

A. INTRODUCTION

We have three passages before us, all pointing to the central theme of Reconciliation. They emphasize three key aspects:

1.      An Example of the Process of Reconciliation (Luke 15:11-32)

2.      The Privilege of Being Reconciled (Psalm 32:2)

3.      The Acceptance and Assignment of Reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:16-21)

Reconciliation is a journey that starts with a decision, is fueled by desire, and requires drastic action. The beauty of this message is that no matter how far we have gone, God always welcomes us back. The challenge, however, is that we also need to accept others just as God has accepted us.

Let’s reflect on how this works in our daily lives.

 

B. REFLECTIONS FROM THE FIRST READING (LUKE 15:11-32)

Jesus’ parable of the Prodigal Son paints a vivid picture of our spiritual journey.

1. The Father Had Two Prodigal Sons

Both sons, though different in lifestyle, were lost in their own way:

·        Both sons used the same approach when asking for something: "Give me" (v.12, v.29)

·        Both sons left the presence of the father: one physically, the other emotionally (v.13, v.28)

·        Both sons wanted the father’s property, not the father himself (v.12, v.28)

·        Both sons followed evil: one through action, the other in his thoughts (v.13, v.30)

·        Both sons abused the father’s generosity: one wasted it, the other rejected it (v.14, v.31)

This means that we can be lost even inside the church. Some people physically walk away from God, while others stay in church but have hearts full of resentment and judgment.

2. Reconciliation Begins with a Decision

The younger son only realized his mistake when he hit rock bottom.

·        The pleasures he pursued turned into pain

·        His high-class status was reduced to nothing

·        He was starving and feeding pigs, something unacceptable for a Jew

Lesson: Sin may look attractive, but it will always leave you broken, empty, and ashamed. No one ever enters sin and comes out the same.

3. Reconciliation Takes Desire

The young man could have stayed in self-pity, but he longed for his father’s house.

·        His language changed from "Father, give me" (v.12) to "Father, make me" (v.19)

·        He walked back home, despite shame and fear

Lesson: It is not enough to know you are lost. You must have the desire to return. Many people feel regret but never take steps toward change.

4. Reconciliation Requires Drastic Action

The father’s response was unusual in Jewish culture:

·        He ran to meet his son (showing urgency and love)

·        He kissed him (showing acceptance)

·        He gave him a robe (restoring identity)

·        He gave him a ring (restoring economic status)

·        He gave him shoes (elevating his position)

·        He organized a feast (restoring his social standing)

Lesson: When God forgives, He does not do it halfway. He restores us completely!

 

C. REFLECTIONS ON THE SECOND READING (PSALM 32:2)

Reconciliation with God brings privileges:

1.      Divine Protection (v.6-7) – God becomes our refuge

2.      Divine Preservation (v.7) – He keeps us through trials

3.      Divine Proximity (v.8-9) – He gives guidance

4.      Divine Peace (v.10) – Walking with God brings joy

5.      Divine Praise (v.11) – We gain a testimony of deliverance

Lesson: When we are reconciled with God, we are covered on all sides.

 

D. REFLECTIONS ON THE THIRD READING (2 CORINTHIANS 5:16-21)

This is where the challenge comes in.

1. Living as Proof of Reconciliation

After being reconciled with God, you must show it in your life. God does not remove you from the world, but sends you to be a testimony:

·        First to Jerusalem (your immediate circle)

·        Then to Judea (your community)

·        Then to Samaria (those different from you)

·        Finally to the world (Acts 1:8)

2. Proving the Old is Gone

It is not enough to say "I have changed." You must prove it.

·        People around you will not trust you immediately

·        You will face judgment and skepticism

·        You must remain faithful despite opposition

3. Making Reconciliation Possible for Others

Many times, we make it difficult for others to reconcile with God.

·        We judge people by appearance, past sins, or status

·        We make strict rules about what they must do before they are "accepted"

The father in the parable did not wait for his son to clean up before welcoming him. Let’s not put unnecessary obstacles before people who are trying to find God.

4. Living as Ambassadors of Reconciliation

Paul says we are Christ’s ambassadors (v.20).

·        An ambassador carries the message of their home country

·        Our message is one of love, grace, and acceptance

·        How we live must reflect our identity as representatives of Christ

Lesson: We are not just saved for ourselves but are called to lead others to Christ.

 

E. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: MAKING RECONCILIATION EASY

1.      For Those Who Need to Be Reconciled:

o   Come back to God; He is waiting for you

o   No sin is too great for God to forgive

o   Do not let fear or shame keep you from returning

2.      For Those Who Have Been Reconciled:

o   Live in a way that proves you have changed

o   Accept yourself as a new creation

o   Be patient as you earn the trust of others

3.      For Those Who Need to Accept Others:

o   Stop putting unnecessary burdens on people

o   Welcome people before they change, just as God welcomes them

o   Make the church a place of grace, not judgment

 

F. CONCLUSION

Reconciliation is God’s greatest gift to us. It starts with a decision, is fueled by desire, and requires drastic action. But the real test is not just accepting reconciliation—it is helping others receive it too.

God has called us not just to be reconciled but to be agents of reconciliation. The world is broken, and people are waiting for someone to show them the way back to God. Will you be that person?

May the Lord give us the grace to live as true ambassadors of reconciliation. Amen!