The Father Comes Running!

Wearied, wounded, and wasted by his own misadventure of well-laid plans; the prodigal son came to his senses somewhere between the slop bucket and his own starvation. Heavy-hearted, he hung his head, broken by his reckless decisions.

His pride and arrogance of awaited success boasted upon when leaving his father's house echoed in his mind; questions mounted: What will my father think? What will he say? The passing chariot reflected his appearance; Is that really what I look like? Again he hung his head in shame; humbled by his mangy hair, filthy fingertips, and weightless money bag.

He carefully considered each word he would speak to his father, hoping his father would be merciful and allow him a place as a servant.

Meanwhile, back at home, like any other day, the father looked out across his fields, waiting, wondering, Will today be the day my son returns? So many days, he waited, searching across his vast fields to no avail; but, today, his eye caught something his heart had long hoped for. He rubbed his eyes to make sure. My Son! It's my SON!!! Grabbing his outer garment, he hoisted the material high, freeing his feet (already in mid pursuit) running toward the hope he had long entertained.

Luke 15:20 says, "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 quickly spoke the contemplated words mulled over in his long journey back home,  "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." (Luke 15:20-24, NIV)

 
WOW! What a picture! What a moment! What a vivid depiction of God's heart toward each one of us! God longs to hold us and shower us with affection! Wearied, wounded, and weighted by our own sins and griefs, we wonder...What will our Father think? What will he say? Will he accept us or reject? Our pride of doing things on our own humbled through circumstances, broken through life experience.
 
Friends, God loves us passionately. He longs to speak to us. He's been waiting for our hearts to reach the place where we recognize our desperate need for Him. Today, I felt so impressed to remind you as God reminded me...of just HOW MUCH HE LOVES EACH ONE OF US!
 
He is merciful. Slow to anger. Abounding in love!. He is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. He intercedes on our behalf. And a flickering flame, He will in NO WAY snuff out! He's the Father at the window, who catches a glimpse of his prodigal child, and HE COMES RUNNING with OPEN ARMS to RESTORE COMPLETELY!
 
Today, as we go through our day, let us hold on to that vision; and in every decision choose to stay close to the FATHER'S HEART.  It's in Him and through Him that we have HOPE!
 
PRAYER: Father, we confess we have at times been prideful. We've attempted to do life on our own. We've picked up what You've told us time and time again to let go. Today, we return to YOU. Dependant upon Your mercy. We need to be RESTORED! Lavish us with Your love. Forgive us of our sins. May we feel Your embrace. Strengthen us we pray...in Jesus' name. AMEN!