The Face of God (A 5-day Devotional)
Day 1: God Runs to Embrace Us
Reading: Genesis 33:1-4; Luke 15:11-24
Jacob expected anger and rejection from Esau, but instead his brother ran to embrace him. This undignified act of grace mirrors the Father in Jesus' parable—a God who doesn't wait with crossed arms but sprints toward His returning children. Perhaps you've carried a narrative of God as perpetually disappointed, always angry at your failures. Today, let this truth reshape your understanding: God's anger is fleeting, but His favor lasts a lifetime (Psalm 30:5). He doesn't reluctantly tolerate you; He runs to you with open arms. The question isn't whether God will receive you—it's whether you'll stop running from His relentless pursuit. Like Francis Thompson discovered, the "Hound of Heaven" chases you not to condemn, but to embrace.
Day 2: God Forgives Comprehensively
Reading: Micah 7:18-19; Psalm 130:3-4; 1 John 1:9
Jacob carried twenty years of guilt, wondering if forgiveness was truly possible. Many of us live similarly, haunted by past failures, convinced God keeps a record of wrongs. But Scripture declares something radical: God casts our sins into the depths of the sea, treads our iniquities underfoot. His forgiveness isn't partial or conditional—it's comprehensive. Through Christ, you are "simultaneously a sinner and righteous," declared clean despite your ongoing struggles. That dark blot you cannot remove? Jesus' blood cleanses it completely. The Korean War veteran's question echoes in many hearts: "Will God really forgive me?" The answer thunders from Scripture: Yes. Fully. Finally. Forever. Stop trying to earn what has already been freely given. Receive the righteousness of Christ as your own.
Day 3: God Delights in You
Reading: Zephaniah 3:17; Jeremiah 32:41; Matthew 9:36
The false narrative whispers that God is cold, distant, indifferent—tolerating you at best. But look at Esau's tears, his embrace, his emotional investment in reconciliation. This is the face of God. Scripture reveals a God who rejoices over you with singing, who finds joy doing good for you, who looks at you with absolute delight. God doesn't view you with clinical detachment or disappointed resignation. He is emotionally invested in your life, moved by your struggles, celebrating your victories. When Jesus wept over Jerusalem, He revealed a heart that breaks over separation from His beloved. Today, let this truth sink deep: God doesn't just love you—He likes you. He delights in you. He is awfully fond of you!
Day 4: God Accepts You Unconditionally
Reading: John 6:37; Romans 15:7; Isaiah 43:1
Jacob approached Esau expecting rejection. Many approach God the same way, believing their track record disqualifies them from full acceptance. But Jesus declares: "Whoever comes to me I will never drive away." Not "I'll reluctantly let you in the back door" or "You can stay if you clean up first." Never. Drive. Away. This scandalizes our performance-based thinking. How can God welcome prodigals so completely? Because acceptance isn't based on your worthiness but His character. He has called you by name—you are His. Though earthly fathers and mothers may forsake, the Lord receives you (Psalm 27:10). The older brother's outrage in Jesus' parable reflects our false assumptions: surely God requires more from us before full restoration. But grace shatters that narrative. Come home. You are already accepted.
Day 5: God Gives Grace, Not Demands
Reading: Psalm 50:10-12; Romans 11:35-36; Ephesians 2:8-9
Jacob approached with gifts, hoping to pacify Esau and earn reconciliation. Esau's response reveals God's heart: "I have enough...keep what you have for yourself." We frantically offer God our works, achievements, and sacrifices, believing we can manage grace through transactions. But God needs nothing from us. He owns everything. Grace isn't purchased; it's received. At the cross, Jesus didn't wait for your offering—He became the offering. Brennan Manning's friend Ray didn't demand payment before throwing himself on the grenade; he simply gave his life. "What more could he have done for you?" Stop trying to impress God with your gifts. He wants you, not your résumé. The face of God isn't waiting for your performance—it's offering you unearned, undeserved, unstoppable grace. Simply receive it.
Reading: Genesis 33:1-4; Luke 15:11-24
Jacob expected anger and rejection from Esau, but instead his brother ran to embrace him. This undignified act of grace mirrors the Father in Jesus' parable—a God who doesn't wait with crossed arms but sprints toward His returning children. Perhaps you've carried a narrative of God as perpetually disappointed, always angry at your failures. Today, let this truth reshape your understanding: God's anger is fleeting, but His favor lasts a lifetime (Psalm 30:5). He doesn't reluctantly tolerate you; He runs to you with open arms. The question isn't whether God will receive you—it's whether you'll stop running from His relentless pursuit. Like Francis Thompson discovered, the "Hound of Heaven" chases you not to condemn, but to embrace.
Day 2: God Forgives Comprehensively
Reading: Micah 7:18-19; Psalm 130:3-4; 1 John 1:9
Jacob carried twenty years of guilt, wondering if forgiveness was truly possible. Many of us live similarly, haunted by past failures, convinced God keeps a record of wrongs. But Scripture declares something radical: God casts our sins into the depths of the sea, treads our iniquities underfoot. His forgiveness isn't partial or conditional—it's comprehensive. Through Christ, you are "simultaneously a sinner and righteous," declared clean despite your ongoing struggles. That dark blot you cannot remove? Jesus' blood cleanses it completely. The Korean War veteran's question echoes in many hearts: "Will God really forgive me?" The answer thunders from Scripture: Yes. Fully. Finally. Forever. Stop trying to earn what has already been freely given. Receive the righteousness of Christ as your own.
Day 3: God Delights in You
Reading: Zephaniah 3:17; Jeremiah 32:41; Matthew 9:36
The false narrative whispers that God is cold, distant, indifferent—tolerating you at best. But look at Esau's tears, his embrace, his emotional investment in reconciliation. This is the face of God. Scripture reveals a God who rejoices over you with singing, who finds joy doing good for you, who looks at you with absolute delight. God doesn't view you with clinical detachment or disappointed resignation. He is emotionally invested in your life, moved by your struggles, celebrating your victories. When Jesus wept over Jerusalem, He revealed a heart that breaks over separation from His beloved. Today, let this truth sink deep: God doesn't just love you—He likes you. He delights in you. He is awfully fond of you!
Day 4: God Accepts You Unconditionally
Reading: John 6:37; Romans 15:7; Isaiah 43:1
Jacob approached Esau expecting rejection. Many approach God the same way, believing their track record disqualifies them from full acceptance. But Jesus declares: "Whoever comes to me I will never drive away." Not "I'll reluctantly let you in the back door" or "You can stay if you clean up first." Never. Drive. Away. This scandalizes our performance-based thinking. How can God welcome prodigals so completely? Because acceptance isn't based on your worthiness but His character. He has called you by name—you are His. Though earthly fathers and mothers may forsake, the Lord receives you (Psalm 27:10). The older brother's outrage in Jesus' parable reflects our false assumptions: surely God requires more from us before full restoration. But grace shatters that narrative. Come home. You are already accepted.
Day 5: God Gives Grace, Not Demands
Reading: Psalm 50:10-12; Romans 11:35-36; Ephesians 2:8-9
Jacob approached with gifts, hoping to pacify Esau and earn reconciliation. Esau's response reveals God's heart: "I have enough...keep what you have for yourself." We frantically offer God our works, achievements, and sacrifices, believing we can manage grace through transactions. But God needs nothing from us. He owns everything. Grace isn't purchased; it's received. At the cross, Jesus didn't wait for your offering—He became the offering. Brennan Manning's friend Ray didn't demand payment before throwing himself on the grenade; he simply gave his life. "What more could he have done for you?" Stop trying to impress God with your gifts. He wants you, not your résumé. The face of God isn't waiting for your performance—it's offering you unearned, undeserved, unstoppable grace. Simply receive it.