Digging Deeper – December 7, 2023
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. 21 His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’
22 “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. 23 And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, 24 for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.
Luke 15:20-24 (NLT)
THE GOD WHO WELCOMES US HOME
Arguably the most powerful moment in the parable of the Prodigal Son is the moment when the father runs to his son. The younger son has not only disgraced himself, but through his actions has essentially deemed his father worthless to him (except for his money). Rich Villodas, an author and pastor posted, “In the gospel of Luke, the prodigal son doesn’t return home because of a renewed love for his father. He comes back home simply to survive because he ran out of money and is starving. And his father is perfectly fine with that! Just come home. God just wants you home.” He is longing for us to return. He is actively running after us just like the father in the parable.
The younger son realized he had nothing left, and unless he returned home, he would not find sustenance. But we find that God’s grace is free for us no matter what we have done. Our relationship with the Lord is not transactional. I have nothing to give the Lord, but He has everything to give me. His love for us restores our position (that never disappeared) in the Home He has for us. Not only are we welcomed home, but our homecoming is celebrated.
We see in this story that even when our return home is simply to survive, before our lives are even cleaned up or our hearts are even changed, our Heavenly Father is ready for us. He wants us to find our way Home. It is where we find our purpose, our meaning, and our value. May you see the great, amazing, unbelievable love the Father has for you and rest in that today! Remember that no matter what your journey has looked like, the Father welcomes you with open arms.
Courtney Miller is the Special Needs ministry Director at NorthStar Church. She was born a Texas girl, but has lived in Georgia the majority of her life (Go Dawgs!). She married her husband, Chris, in 2012. They have two children with a third on the way.