Read Luke 15 – 16
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. Luke 15:20 KJV
I have a print by R.D. Cianni, of a father and son embracing in the midst of a wheat field. It is a wonderful rendering of this story of the Prodigal Son told by Jesus. In the story the youngest son takes his share of inheritance, leaves home, and wastes it on sinful living. He ends up in destitution. When he comes to the end of himself and understands his condition, he remembers the compassion of his father and heads home. His father is watching for him, runs to greet him, and fully embraces him. My understanding of this story is that it depicts an opportunity that exists for us. We have rebelled and walked away from God in sin. When we come to an end of ourselves, recognize our helpless condition, and turn to the Lord, as with the prodigal’s father, our heavenly Father is ever watching, waiting, and willing to receive us to Himself if we would only go to Him.
Lord, having lived in the place of the Prodigal Son, I know from personal experience Your compassionate embrace. I know I did not deserve it but I am so grateful for it. May my gratitude continue to be obvious in my walk with You.
A question to ponder: Have I reached the point of retuning to the heavenly Father as the prodigal did with his father?
