When You Want to Return to God
The Father Ran
You have been away -- not just from the habit, but from God. The distance feels too great, the time too long, the failures too many. This parable was told for exactly this moment.
But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.Luke 15:20 (ESV)
Three details carry everything. The father saw him while still far off -- which means he was watching the horizon for him. He felt compassion before any speech, any apology, any proof of change. And he ran. Not waited with crossed arms. He ran. The son had not cleaned himself up yet. And the father ran.
I want to come home. I have been gone a long time and I do not feel like I deserve to return. But I am turning around. I am walking back toward you. Meet me on the road. Amen.
Pray the prodigal son's return: "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you." Then pause. Wait for the answer that comes running.