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. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ Luke 15:20-24
Recently we spent a week in a big city. A lot of time had passed since we’d last been there. It seemed colder than I remembered. Lots of changes. But the Lord was gracious to us, and we found some really cool things to see and do. And some interesting folks to talk to as well.
And some really good food.
I have a bit of uneasiness when I’m surrounded by a clamoring crowd on concrete. I’d imagine the same uneasiness might be felt by city-dwellers – if they were plunked down somewhere in the remote mountains, perhaps miles from the nearest person. Yet that is one place where I have found genuine peace. God made us unique, and I’m glad for that. Otherwise, where would my peace and solitude be if I were surrounded by all those people on my next venture into the wilderness?
The Bible speaks a lot about coming home. I think the word home is mentioned more than fifty times in the Word. In the above Bible passage, Jesus is telling a story of someone who has ventured far from home, far from his heavenly Father. Finally the young man comes to his senses and returns home, but his Father can’t wait for him to get there. He runs to greet him and celebrates his return.
God is like that for all of us. He is waiting. Waiting for us to come to our senses and return to Him. And when we do, He runs to meet us with open arms.
Perhaps He is speaking to you today about this very thing. Jesus said a genuine relationship with the Father can only come through Him (Jesus). If you want to know more about this real relationship with God, see Got God?
When I returned from the city and opened the car door, I thought I heard a turkey gobble near our house.
It’s good to be home.
Have a great day.