Revealing the Father-heart of God

Luke 15:11-13,17-20 NLT

To illustrate the point further, Jesus told them this story: "A man had two sons. [12] The younger son told his father, 'I want my share of your estate now before you die.' So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons. [13] "A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living. [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! [18] I will go home to my father and say, "Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, [19] and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant."' [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.

Many folk have a view of a tyrannical, kill-joy God, who is eternally cross with us.

Jesus came to reveal the Father-heart of God in a way that will draw us to Him and not repel us.

Jesus taught heavenly matters in stories (parables) to which each of us can relate.

The younger son here wanted "freedom" from his dad. He wanted to get away from the restrictions and daily chores that seemed to tie him down.

He wanted a life of unleashed pleasure.

Yes, he did have temporary happiness, until he'd spent all his inheritance and fell on hard times.

All the while, the father, in the story, looked and waited and longed to have his son back.

While he was "a long way off" the father ran to meet his son.

There were no reproachful words but a warm embrace and a kiss.

The father threw a big party to celebrate his wayward son's return.

There were new clothes and a ring for him.

He deserved nothing, but received everything.

That's how our Heavenly Father looks at each one of us who "come to our senses" and return "home".

Our repentance makes God throw a party. He's so, so glad we are back in the family.

Have you come to your senses?

Are you on the way "home"?

Father God is eagerly looking for you and will run to meet you.