Luke 15:20
“And he arose and came to his father. 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.”
When we read the parable of the prodigal son’s return, we are often focused on the reaction of the father. That is as it should be. It reveals the heart of God and His great accepting love for us. But what about the prodigal who is returning home?
I can picture the son as he trudges along the road leading back home. He no doubt recalls the time of his happy departure with a bag full of money and the excitement about how he was going to live the good life without his father’s restrictions. But now, months later, he is alone, destitute, and depressed.
Imagine the scene as the weary traveler catches view of the family home in the distance. It must have been a bittersweet time for him. He had lost so much and now was only hoping to be a servant in the house that had once been his home.
Suddenly he sees a speck in the distance. It’s someone from the house running down the road toward him. He is not sure if it’s a servant or perhaps his older brother. As the figure gets nearer he suddenly recognizes the familiar image of his father! This is it! He is going to make his appeal to become a servant in his father’s household. He hopes he will find acceptance.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil