But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.
In Luke chapter 15 Jesus tells the story of a rebellious son who takes his father and his family’s provision for granted. The young son squanders his inheritance and eventually finds himself alone and hungry in a foreign country. He recalls the life he lived in his father’s household and decides to head home and offer himself up as a servant, unfit to be called a son. But as he approaches home, his father sees him in the distance. The father, despite having every reason to turn his son away, takes off running and scoops his son up in his arms. The son protests but the father insists and calls for a celebration. What was thought to be lost – has returned and the father is filled with joy!
What a beautiful picture of God’s love for us. How many times have we gone our own way, thinking we know what is best? How many times have we found ourselves lost and alone, longing to be lifted up out of the very mess we have made. How many times have we been in need of rescue? The beauty of the story lies in the fact that the Father doesn’t just wait for the son to fully return – he runs out to meet him and not only does he offer him rescue – he offers his redemption.The father doesn’t hold his son’s poor decisions over his head in a display of control. No, he rejoices and he throws a party canceling all offenses. This same story plays over and over again in our own lives. It fills me with thankfulness and joy to picture our heavenly father scanning the horizon for us. Hoping for our return. And when he spots us – heads hung down and hearts heavy – he sets off running! Running! On a mission to scoop us up and bring us home through His grace and redemption. And oh what a party to celebrate our return He throws!
Spend some time today thanking and celebrating God for his selfless pursuit of your heart. What amazing love He has shown us!
