When he was still a long way off, his father saw him. His heart pounding, he ran out, embraced him, and kissed him.
The son started his speech: 'Father, I've sinned against God, I've sinned before you; I don't deserve to be called your son ever again.'
"But the father wasn't listening. He was calling to the servants, 'Quick. Bring a clean set of clothes and dress him.
Put the family ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Then get a grain-fed heifer and roast it. We're going to feast! We're going to have a wonderful time!
My son is here—given up for dead and now alive! Given up for lost and now found!'
What's the worst trouble you've ever been in?
That ranges a lot from person to person. Maybe you've seen the wrong side of a jail cell, had a scary visit from the IRS, or found your name at the top of some threatening legal documents.
Or, maybe you've led a gentler life, and things have never quite been that bad.
Still, I bet we can all think of some moments when we had that deep-in-the-gut feeling of sickness and heartache. We all know what it means to know that we have messed up, big time.
What happened next?
Have you ever had the slate wiped clean? Have you ever known the feeling of being truly forgiven?
Or, have you ever loved someone so much, that no matter what they've done or where they've been, you would simply hug and cry and love them if they returned?
Jesus gives us a window to the heart of the Father that helps us remember those feelings.
This is life with God. We can return. We can be loved.
All is gift.
Grace & Peace,
Adam
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