Before he was king, Prince Charles visited... - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

Return to the Lord. Say to Him, Take away all iniquity; … I will heal heir backsliding, I will love them freely.
Hosea 14:3–5

Before he was king, Prince Charles visited San Diego in California, and a 73-year-old man named Walter Talbot came on board his ship. He identified himself as a deserter who wanted to surrender.

Talbot’s story is quickly told. In 1920, the future King Edward ? was in Montreal on a naval visit. The then 19-year-old sailor deserted from one of the ships and fled to New York. He joined the US Navy, was discharged, but later re-enlisted and then served on the side of the US in World War II. However, during all those years, he could never forget his homeland and wanted nothing more than to come home. When he voluntarily surrendered, he explained, “I want to sort out my past before it’s too late.”

For two months, the British Consulate investigated his case until he was finally told that he was honourably discharged. With the knowledge that he had been forgiven, he was able to return home.

Some people have also run away from God, having heard of Jesus Christ in their childhood and perhaps even attending church services. For a while they felt at home in the atmosphere of the Christian faith, but at some point they “deserted”.

And yet, deep inside, there has remained a longing for God. Such “deserters” can be reassured that God is waiting for their return. He wants to forgive them!

Come to the Saviour, make no delay; here in His Word He has shown us the way;
here in our midst He’s standing today, tenderly saying, “Come!”
George Fr. Root (1820–1895)

Today’s reading: Job 31:1-40 · Acts 15:1-12