Luke 15:20-24 NKJV
"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. [21] 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.' [22] "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. [23] And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; [24] for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' And they began to be merry.
God doesn't want servants, He wants sons and daughters - His design and desire is to bring us into His family.
Picture Him on the doorstep of history yearning, looking, straining His divine neck for one glimpse of you returning.
Even when you're a long way off He, by the Holy Spirit, runs to greet you.
No cold formal handshake is extended, no contract of employment to sign. Oh no! That's not Our Heavenly Father's Way.
Jesus, in this story, is showing the wondrous love of The Father Heart of God. A love which is full of compassion, slow to anger, swift to bless.
Psalm 145:8 NKJV
The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and great in mercy.
Immediately the Father embraces his wayward son, who probably was a bit stinky from the pig sty.
Then he calls for, not just clean clothes, but the best robe, a ring and sandals for his bare feet.
It doesn't end there, the Father throws a big welcome home party.
No waving the past in the younger son's face, no lecture or "I told you so" speeches - just pure joy that he had come home.
That amazing welcome is waiting for each one of us who come home to God:.
John 3:16 NKJV
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Hallelujah!
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