Today’s Open Heaven devotional (19 March 2025) is FROM DOG TO CHILD 1
The daily devotion guide is written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
OPEN HEAVEN 19 MARCH 2025 DEVOTIONAL
TOPIC: FROM DOG TO CHILD I
MEMORISE
Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou art the Lord our God.
Jeremiah 3:22
READ: Luke 15:11-32
14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.
15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.
26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.
27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.
28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.
29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:
30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.
31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
RCCG OPEN HEAVEN 19 MARCH 2025 MESSAGE
My Father is the God of all possibilities; He can change even a dog to a beloved child. As far as God is concerned, those who are not born again are dogs (Matthew 15:21-28).
A backslider is also considered a dog. When Peter spoke about backsliders, he said, “But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, the dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire” (2 Peter 2:22).
God is merciful, and His mercy can change the worst sinners into His beloved children. In 1 Timothy 1:15, Apostle Paul said, “I was the chief of sinners,” but God changed him, and he became a chief among apostles (2 Corinthians 11:5). With God, all things are possible.
A young evangelist who faithfully won several souls to God fell into fornication. Consequently, satan deceived him that he could never receive God’s torgiveness. He believed the lie and continued to live in sin until one day, he fell ill and was hospitalised. He was put in the same ward with a pastor, who always studied his Bible diligently. The evangelist admired the pastor, and one day, the pastor asked him if he was a Christian. He said that he used to be, and when the pastor asked why he stopped following God, he shared his story.
The pastor immediately showed him through the Scriptures that he could be forgiven and restored. Then, he prayed with him, and the young evangelist was restored – joy flooded his heart. The next morning, the pastor didn’t see the young evangelist. When he asked the nurses about him, they told him that he had joyfully passed on. God mercifully allowed the young man to return from his vomit before taking him home.
God is willing to restore backsliders when they return to Him sincerely; He is not interested in their death or destruction. In Jeremiah 3:13-14, He pleaded with backsliders to acknowledge their iniquity and turn to Him. God will always receive and restore people with humble and contrite hearts. The prodigal son was a backslider who received his Father’s mercy and was fully restored. Despite all he did, when he repented and took the right step to return to his father, he was received joyfully. God delights in welcoming lost sons home. If you are backslidden, don’t allow satan lie to you that God can never forgive you. He is waiting for you with wide open arms; return to Him now.
KEY POINT
God is willing and able to restore backsliders to Himself. All they need to do is return to Him with sincere hearts.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Judges 17-19
HYMN 28: WHAT CAN WASH AWAY MY STAIN
OPEN HEAVEN 19 MARCH 2025 DEVOTIONAL COMMENTARY
This devotional offers a powerful message of hope, restoration, and the boundless mercy of God. It centers on the theme of God’s willingness to forgive and restore those who have fallen away from Him, whether they are unbelievers or backsliders. Let’s break it down:
1. MEMORISE: Jeremiah 3:22
Jeremiah 3:22 says, “Return, you backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings.” This verse encapsulates the heart of God toward those who have wandered away from Him. It is a call to repentance and a promise of restoration. God is not interested in punishing or rejecting those who return to Him; rather, He desires to heal and restore them. This verse sets the tone for the entire devotional, emphasizing God’s readiness to forgive and His longing for reconciliation.
2. BIBLE READING: Luke 15:11-32 (The Parable of the Prodigal Son)
The story of the prodigal son is one of the most profound illustrations of God’s love and mercy. The younger son represents backsliders – those who have turned away from God to pursue their own desires. Despite his rebellion and wastefulness, the father (representing God) welcomes him back with open arms when he repents and returns. This parable highlights several key truths:
- God’s Unconditional Love: The father’s love never wavered, even when the son was far away.
- The Power of Repentance: The son’s decision to return home was met with immediate forgiveness and restoration.
- Celebration Over Restoration: God delights in restoring His children and celebrates their return.
This story reassures us that no matter how far we have strayed, God is always ready to forgive and restore us when we come back to Him.
3. The Analogy of Dogs and Backsliders
The devotional uses the analogy of dogs to describe both unbelievers and backsliders. In Matthew 15:21-28, Jesus refers to Gentiles as “dogs,” highlighting their separation from God’s covenant promises. Similarly, 2 Peter 2:22 compares backsliders to dogs returning to their vomit, illustrating the ugliness of returning to sin after experiencing God’s grace.
However, God’s mercy can transform even the worst sinners into His beloved children. The example of Apostle Paul, who called himself the “chief of sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15), demonstrates that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. This is a powerful reminder that God’s love and mercy are greater than our failures.
4. The Story of the Young Evangelist
The story of the young evangelist who fell into sin and believed Satan’s lie that he could never be forgiven is a poignant example of how the enemy seeks to trap us in guilt and shame. However, through the intervention of the pastor and the truth of Scripture, the young man experienced God’s forgiveness and restoration. His joyful passing shortly after his restoration shows that God’s mercy is not only about restoring us in this life but also preparing us for eternity.
This story underscores the importance of:
- Community and Accountability: The pastor played a crucial role in guiding the young man back to God.
- The Power of Scripture: God’s Word has the power to break lies and bring freedom.
- God’s Timing: Even in his final moments, the young man experienced the joy of reconciliation with God.
5. Key Point: God’s Willingness to Restore
The key point of the devotional is clear: God is willing and able to restore backsliders to Himself. If you are, all you need to do is return to Him with a sincere heart. This echoes the message of Jeremiah 3:22 and the parable of the prodigal son. God’s desire is not to condemn or destroy but to heal and restore. His arms are always open to those who humbly repent and return to Him.
Note for Christians
For mature Christians, this devotional serves as both a reminder and a call to action:
- Reminder: No matter how far we or others have strayed, God’s mercy is always available. We should never give up on ourselves or others, knowing that God’s grace is sufficient.
- Call to Action: As mature believers, we have a responsibility to help restore those who have fallen away. Like the pastor in the story, we should be ready to share the truth of God’s Word and pray with those who are struggling.
Conclusion
This devotional is a beautiful reminder of God’s relentless love and mercy. It challenges us to reject the lies of the enemy and embrace the truth that God is always ready to forgive and restore. Whether we are backsliders ourselves or know someone who is, we can take comfort in the fact that God’s arms are wide open, and His grace is more than enough to bring us back into His loving embrace. Let us return to Him with sincere hearts and experience the joy of His restoration.
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