“But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.” Luke 15:20 (The Prodigal Son Luke 15:11-32)
I’ve been teaching my class about God, the Father, and yesterday we talked about the prodigal son. This son took the possessions his father gave him, went his own way, wasted them all to the point of starvation, and found himself wishing he could eat pig food. He suddenly realized that even the servants who worked for his father had it better than he, so he decided to go back home and beg his father for mercy…and for a job.
The scripture says that when he was still a great way off his father saw him. That makes me think his father had been watching for him. His father was just hoping and waiting, day after day, that his son would return. The father was so full of compassion that he ran and hugged and kissed his son.
Not only did he welcome him, but he gave him gifts. He ordered that the best robe and a ring be put on his son. He also gave him new sandals. I don’t know if he had no sandals by this point, or his were just tattered all to pieces, but his father wanted nothing but the best for his son.
Next he ordered a feast–bbq time!! He said, “It’s time to eat and be merry, for my son was dead and is alive again, he was lost and is found.” There was music, dancing, and celebration for this son who came home.
It’s the same way when we come back to the Lord. God isn’t just sitting on a throne of Judgment. Hebrews 4:16 says it is a “Throne of Grace, where we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” God is waiting for us, just like that father. God is our Father, waiting for us with grace and mercy.
Not only that, but when we do decide that being with Him is better than starving in sin, there is rejoicing in heaven when we come home! (Luke 15:6-7)
Don’t ever think it’s too late to return to your Father, God. He still loves you. You are still His child. He’s watching for you, waiting. He has good things to bestow upon you. His grace and mercy still available now.
Come home,
jamie
considering the word 