Prodigal Son Part 3

Luke 15:20-24

“And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate.  For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.”

1) The son arose and went back. Great first step of action.

2) After all of this time, the father was still looking down the road, hoping to see his son come up over the hill, back home. I love that about God, He is always the doting (express excessive love or fondness habitually) Father.

3) This young man probably reeked of hog pen, he probably looked dirty as well, but the father didn’t care, he hugged him and kissed him repeatedly. That’s God to us.

4) The son gave his best speech and pitch to become a servant, but dad wouldn’t have any of that. That’s God to us!

5) The father walked his son home, told the servants to bring him fresh cloths and then placed the family seal, a ring, back on his finger. His son was home now, so his dad, gave him the full rights once again. That is God to us!

6) Then the father threw a party for the son, and he gave for the son the best meal, probably his favorite meal.

When we come home, God throws a party for us too. We may not see it, but we should feel it. Coming home is a beautiful thing when we have a loving Father like our heavenly Father. Coming home is safe, secure. Coming home is peace and rest and most of all forgiveness.

Prayer:
Father God, I don’t feel like I deserve You, or Your love and forgiveness, but You give it to me anyway, because in Your eyes, I do deserve You. In Your name, Loving, Gracious Father, Amen!