Come Home

A perspective on The Prodigal Son

Taken from Luke 15

But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. The son said to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’"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.

This parable shows a selfish son who asks his father to give him his portion of the family estate as an early inheritance. Once received, the son sets off on a long journey to a distant land and begins to waste his fortune on wild living. The young man’s money and temporary happiness run out leaving him to only find a job feeding pigs. This man finally realizes this is not the way he wants to live, and knows he needs to return home to ask for forgiveness and mercy. Instead of the father condemning the son, he shows compassion because what was lost is now found.

The story of The Prodigal Son is not just a story about one boy.

It is a story that affects every person who has ever been alive.

The word 'prodigal' is defined as someone who lives wastefully or recklessly. Sound familiar?

I think back to all the times I chose my own selfish desires over living out God’s plan for my life. If we are honest, we have all turned our back on our God sometime in our life.

Who is God to you?

To me, God is my Father. He knows how to encourage me, yet show me discipline when it is needed. He protects me from the storms of life, but allows me to learn from my mistakes. He is also always there for me, waiting for me to come home.

God is the good, good Father who never gives up on us.

Scripture says that even while we are a long way off, God sees us just over the horizon. He is filled with compassion when we decide to return home. He is the warm embrace that makes us alive again.

For a moment, just imagine this scene. First, you decide to leave God’s ways and choose your own path. It seems fun and entertaining for a while, but that temporary happiness soon wears off. You are left feeling lonely, saddened and lost. You deny it for a while, but deep down you know you need the light of grace and God’s abundant love once again. So, you turn around and start the long journey home. It is almost sunset, but you climb over the last mountain to see God, our Father, standing, waiting for you. Joy fills your heart as you start to run into the arms of Jesus. You are home.

This story gives us truth to the joy of forgiveness God gives us, along with the scandal of grace we do not deserve. It doesn't matter what you and I have done. Instead, there is a celebration that the lost was now found. This is nothing less than the perfect love, compassion, patience and delight we are so undeserving. Yet, a second chance is given called divine grace.

Wherever you are, whatever you did, God is waiting for you.

He will meet you with arms open wide.

Come home.