“And he arose and came to his father. 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
This verse is a key moment in one of the most famous parables ever told by Jesus. Here we see God the Father’s true heart toward those who’ve rebelled against Him so terribly that they think there can be no hope, no forgiveness, and no restoration of relationship. This verse is a powerful picture of God’s love and grace toward everyone who’s ever rejected Him, including you…
Though we all sin against God, demanding to live our life our way regardless of God’s good and holy design for our flourishing, He’s still looking for us to turn back to Him. Though we’ve all been hurt, manipulated, or used others at times, rejected God’s authority and love, and humiliated and shamed ourselves, God is constantly looking toward us with love. He sees when we hit such a low place that we’re ready to seek Him out and ask His forgiveness. And when we do, what a moment that is!!!
When we finally reach that lowest point spiritually, realizing that all our efforts to make paradise for ourselves has only made our lives empty and more broken, then God is ready to embrace us in love, forgiveness, and restoration. In the parable, when the Father sees his disgraceful son coming back toward him, he doesn’t stand around and wait for apologies. He didn’t wait to be vindicated or to say, “I told you so”. He sets aside all dignity and runs toward his beloved son who’d been lost to him. That’s exactly how God is!
When you’re ready to turn back to Him by trusting in Jesus, God doesn’t hold back or make you suffer longer or punish yourself. God rushes to you, embraces you, forgives you, loves you. God is unimaginably gracious, merciful, and loving! He’s already done everything necessary to restore you to Himself by sending His own Son to the cross to die for your sins and raising Him from the dead. Believe in Lord Jesus, turn to your Heavenly Father, and let Him embrace you as His beloved child. #FollowJesus