Thanks for joining us for this daily encouragement from the Our Daily Bread Devotional,

Martha Jackson and I titled Our Reading, Empty Hands.

Robert was embarrassed when he showed up for a breakfast meeting and realized he had forgotten his wallet.

It bothered him to the point that he pondered whether he should eat at all or simply get something to drink.

After some convincing from his friend, he relaxed his resistance.

He and his friend enjoyed their entrees, and his friend gladly paid the bill.

Perhaps you can identify with this dilemma or some other situation that puts you on the receiving

in. Wanting to pay our own way is normal, but there are occasions when we must humbly receive

what's graciously being given.

Some kind of payback may have been what the younger son had in mind in Luke 15, 17 through 24,

as he contemplated what he would say to his father.

I'm no longer worthy to be called your son.

Make me like one of your hired servants.

Hired servant.

His father would have no such thing.

In his father's eyes, he was a much-loved son who'd come home.

As such, he was met with a father's embrace and an affectionate kiss.

What a grand gospel picture.

It reminds us that by Jesus' death, he revealed a loving father who welcomes

empty-handed children with open arms.

One hymn writer expressed it like this. Nothing in my hand I bring.

Simply to thy cross I cling.

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