For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. – Colossians 1:19-20 (NIV)

Have you ever experienced a long separation from someone you loved?  Do you remember the ache in your soul when they weren’t around for a special occasion?  Can you picture the moment when you were reunited and the flood of emotions that filled your heart?  Separation is painful for our earthly relationships, but it is nothing compared to the pain Christ endured to end our separation from God.

Mankind has been separated from God like the prodigal son from his father – by choice.  And yet the way has been made for us to be reconciled despite our sinful ways.  Christ has made the way for us to return to our father’s house; He has torn the veil between us and God so that we can be with Him and without shame.  This is the amazing grace of reconciliation: we could not do it ourselves and we did not deserve it.

Every day is an opportunity for us to walk empowered and challenged by that knowledge, or to live as if it had never happened – our choice.  I know that some days I don’t look like I have been reconciled to God.  I know that there are moments that I live more like the prodigal with the pigs than the prodigal in the Father’s house.  I need reminders that my life with God came at a terrible price.  I pray that as I grow in this relationship with my heavenly Father, I will have fewer and shorter prodigal moments, but I am so grateful for His grace along the way.

This week, remind yourself of all that God has done and continues to do so that you can have a relationship with Him.  Pray for a life that advertises the beauty and power of reconciliation.