A Long Way Off…

Luke 15:20

“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.

The son was tired of waiting for his inheritance. His dad was hanging on too long. The son had a life just waiting for him, and it wouldn’t happen until he had his money.

So he approached his dad, and demanded what he felt was his. It hurt his dad, but he loved his son, so he gave in. The son was free!

He did what he wanted with his life, and his money. It didn’t take long to burn through the money, and he found himself in worse shape than when he started.  The Bible puts it so clearly: Luke 15:17. “When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger!”

So the son headed back home with his tail between his legs. He practiced his speech, “Dad, I know I have hurt you, and I’m not asking to be your son again…”

Our verse today says something incredible, “while he was a long way off, his father saw him…” The father was watching for him!

Maybe you have found yourself a long way off from God. What you need to know today is that your Heavenly Father has been watching, waiting for you to come home! And just like the father in the parable, your Father will accept you back home. Home without recriminations, no judgement, just love.

It’s time for you to return to God. Just reach out to him. Don’t worry about fancy words or groveling, just come home. Your father is waiting.