On Rounds with Jesus

Tag: god

  • Changes

    Changes

    Scripture reading: Luke 15:11-32

    If there’s one constant about being human, it’s that we change. Change is what makes us alive. We are wired with an insatiable need to grow, to move, to become.

    Change begins when you recognise that where you are is not where you should remain. That realisation is your signal—it’s time to move.

    Take the prodigal son. He squandered the opportunities his father gave him. He wasted away his fortune until he had nothing left. It seemed over. That was the time to give up, to settle with the pigs. But he didn’t settle. He realised his present situation was not meant to be his permanent situation. He knew where he ought to be. And so, he made the journey back to his father. And oh, how his father embraced him for that turnaround!

    It’s your turn. What changes do you need to make in your life? What steps do you need to take? And when will you take them?

    We’ve all made a mess or two in our lifetimes—because humans are messy. But God is ever merciful. His grace is enough for you today. Tomorrow? It’s not promised. The only time you truly have is now. Make that change today.

    Reflections

    • Change starts with awareness – Like the prodigal son, I must first recognise that my current situation is not where I am meant to remain.
    • Change begins with honesty – I must be willing to face the truth about where I am falling short, whether spiritually, emotionally, or in my daily habits
    • Small steps matter – Real growth often comes not from giant leaps but from consistent, intentional steps toward improvement
    • My present is not my permanent – Just because I’m in a mess now doesn’t mean God intends for me to stay there (Jeremiah 29:11).
    • Grace makes change possible – No matter how far I’ve gone, God’s mercy welcomes me back when I turn to Him (Lamentations 3:22-23).
    • Delay is dangerous – Tomorrow isn’t promised, so I must act on what God is prompting me to do today (James 4:14).
    • Change requires steps – It’s not just about realisation; it’s about movement. Like the prodigal son, I must rise and go (Luke 15:20).

    Prayer

    Father, thank You for Your endless mercy and patience with me. I know there are many areas of my life where I need change—my thoughts, my words, my habits, my relationships, my priorities. Lord, shine Your light on the places in me that must be surrendered to You. Give me wisdom to see clearly, courage to act faithfully, and strength to walk in obedience. Help me not to postpone what You are calling me to improve today. May every change I make draw me closer to You and reflect Your goodness in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

  • Comeback

    Comeback

    Scripture reading: Luke 15:11-32

    We all love a good comeback story. My favourite is the unforgettable 2017 Barcelona–PSG clash, known as the famous Remontada. After losing the first leg 4–0, Barcelona needed nothing short of a miracle. And a miracle they delivered — scoring three goals in the final seven minutes to win 6–1 and progress to the quarter-finals. It was the perfect reminder that it’s not over until it’s over.

    In medicine, I’ve also seen patients defy the odds, fighting back from dire prognoses and rising stronger. Those moments inspire awe.

    But no comeback story surpasses the parable of the Prodigal Son, because it is our story. A young man, broken and empty after squandering everything, “came to himself” and returned home. Instead of rejection, he was met by his father’s open arms. This is the clearest portrait of God in all of Scripture: a Father who waits for us, ready to welcome repentant hearts. How touching!

    The greatest comeback you will ever make is the one where you return to God. Recognise your mess. Take the first step home. And what a glorious homecoming it will be when you make that comeback. The entire host of Heaven will rejoice!

    Reflections

    • No defeat is final until you stop trying.
    • God’s grace gives us more than a second chance — it gives us a new beginning.
    • Our worst mess can become the stage for God’s greatest mercy.
    • Heaven celebrates every comeback story of repentance.
    • Your comeback is not just for you — it inspires others to return as well.

    Prayer

    Father of mercy, thank You for being the God of comebacks. Thank You that no matter how far I wander, Your arms remain open to receive me. Forgive me for the times I have squandered Your blessings and chosen my own way. Like the prodigal, I come back to You — broken, but hopeful in Your grace. Restore me, Lord, and let my life be a testimony of Your unfailing love. May I never forget that Heaven rejoices over every sinner who repents. Help me to extend the same mercy to others, that they too may find their way home. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

  • Watch!

    Watch!

    Scripture reading: Matthew 25:1-13

    One too many times, I have encountered clients who present to the clinic with symptoms too late their prognosis is often already poor. What began as a minor complaint was ignored for far too long. By the time they sought help, it was often too late. In some cases, they had obvious risk factors but never screened. This is why diseases like cervical cancer remain so prevalent in our part of the world: many women do not get screened, and when they finally present with symptoms like persistent vaginal discharge or abnormal bleeding, it is often too late.

    In today’s reading, it was too late for a group of virgins, described as foolish because they failed to prepare adequately for the return of the bridegroom. When their lamps went out, they needed extra oil, but they had none. As the Master delayed, the chances of their lamps still burning at His return grew slimmer. They wasted what was meant to be an opportunity to refill. They waited too long, and their lamps burnt out. When they finally went to get more oil, the bridegroom came. They missed the celebration of a lifetime. Jesus ends the parable with the chilling admonition: “Watch…” This parable was about His second coming. The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise— He tarries out of mercy, longing for all to turn to Him. But the call is clear: we must be continually ready, sustained by His Spirit and His word that keeps our lamps burning. We cannot afford to let complacency lull us to sleep.

    Being ready is an act of faith and wisdom. As the saying goes, he who fails to plan, plans to fail. What you postpone today may cost you dearly tomorrow. Watch! Stay alert. Don’t let your lamp go out. Do not defer to tomorrow what must be done today, lest you miss your appointment with destiny.

    To watch means to be alert, to be careful, to be vigilant, to be conscious, to be intentional, to be well aware, to be in tune with the times and seasons. Watch—lest you fall. Watch, for no one knows the hour…

    Let us pray                                          

    Lord, help me not to delay obedience.

    Keep me from the complacency that makes me ignore the promptings of Your Spirit.

    May I be found ready, my lamp burning brightly, when You return.

    Give me the wisdom to watch, to act, and to live each day prepared.

    Amen.

    Reflection                                                

    What have you been postponing— spiritually, emotionally, or even physically— that you need to act on today?

    Don’t wait. Seek counsel, take that step. Stay ready. Watch!