A Weekly Meditation of Pastor Chang (July 19, 2009)

<A Story of a Prodigal Son: A Responding Letter to a Young Man>

Not long ago, unexpectedly I received a letter from a young man who was originally from our church. When reading his letter, I was moved. This man is a prodigal son at home. Because of mistrusting a friend, he was trapped, and now he is in jail. For a long period of time, I constantly prayed for him with his parents. But I had no idea for how long that we should wait for his change. Honestly, I even once doubted about the work of the Holy Spirit could apply on this young man. Yet, God is good and faithful. He is so gracious and powerful that one day this young man was touched by God. He is changing now. He wrote me a letter of repentance. I was moved with tears. Here is my letter responding to him.

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Dear X X X:

Greetings in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ!

I am very surprised but excited to receive your letter because I never expected to get such a letter from you. Your writings and wording are so good and powerful that I am moved. I know that it is not a regular letter of greetings but a letter comes from your bottom heart to express who you are now.

From your letter, I find that you are changed. You are no longer a self-centered person but a grown-up, mature, responsible man. Furthermore, I was touched by your honesty, candidacy, and confession. You confess that your past lifestyle was wrong and wasted. You feel sorrowful to your parents, family members, relatives, and even me. You are seeking for forgiveness from Jesus Christ and anyone you felt that you have offended before. But I just want to let you know: all of us, especially our Lord Jesus Christ, we already forgive you since long time ago. Remember this famous parable of Jesus Christ – the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32): you are just like him. But at the moment when you repent, you are forgiven already. I believe that it is the greatest love from our God and only by that kind of love we can overcome any kind of evil and to have a new beginning.

I am very glad you told me about your past experience at our church worship services. In the past, you always felt that my sermons had nothing to do with you. The message was only for others but not for you. But now it is different already. Yes, I believe so, because I am convinced that whatever the word or message comes from the Lord is always with power that will touch and change people’s life. Our God is a faithful God, although we are faithless, He remains faithful – for He cannot deny Himself (2 Tim. 2:13.) Therefore, I urge you: do not need to regret anymore, because in Christ you are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17.)

I am very glad that you already start reading the Bible, doing devotion and prayer daily. May the Lord give you more spiritual strength so that you can continue doing them well! I will keep praying for you. I am grateful to hear from you that the Holy Spirit keeps reminding you that the past advices given to you by your parents, uncles, unties, and me are right. I pray that the Holy Spirit from now on will be your direct Advisor, Counselor, and Comforter. And through Him, you will be shaped to be the one He wants you to be, so that in the future, your life will be useful for the Kingdom of God.

I am very delighted to hear that you still think of yourself as a member of the Grace Christian Church. We will never forsake you! You mentioned a pastor who provided counseling several times for you that he knows me. I am very surprised yet very happy to hear that. Next time, if you meet him again, ask his name and also give my best regards to him.

It is always good to hear from you. Let us keep in touch always. Please be reminded: You are always loved by our Father God in heaven and we all love you too.

With love,

Your pastor and your spiritual father,

John C. H. Chang

PS. Thank you for giving me your letter on the Father’s Day, and regard me as your spiritual father.

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