THE FATHER AND THE PRODIGAL

Luke 15:20 ¶ “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.

This is one of the greatest stories of all time. It is the story of Israel and their God, it is the story of fallen man, it is also your story and my story. Jesus was the master story teller. He was able to make deep theological truth become simple and at the same time profound. At first glance entertaining, then convicting, but at the same time filled with joy, expectancy, and love. This parable speaks of the ungratefulness of a son demanding his inheritance while his father was still alive. The father gave the son his portion and then the freedom to squander it all on a foolish lifestyle. All the while the father waited, waited for his son to come to his senses and return home. This is the story of countless fathers from every age. It is also the story of the heavenly Father. Maybe today he waits for you. Here is some insight into this parable from Matthew Henry.

“The great love and affection wherewith the father received the son: When he was yet a great way off his father saw him. He expressed his kindness before the son expressed his repentance; for God prevents us with the blessings of his goodness. Even before we call he answers; for he knows what is in our hearts. I said, I will confess, and thou forgavest. How lively are the images presented here! Here were eyes of mercy, and those eyes quick-sighted: When he was yet a great way off his father saw him, before any other of the family were aware of him, as if from the top of some high tower he had been looking that way which his son was gone, with such a thought as this, “O that I could see yonder wretched son of mine coming home!” This intimates God’s desire of the conversion of sinners, and his readiness to meet them that are coming towards him. He looketh on men, when they are gone astray from him, to see whether they will return to him, and he is aware of the first inclination towards him.”

Maybe you have wandered far from home. If so, the Father waits. He waits not with words of condemnation. He waits in hope, with a tear in His eye saying to Himself. Maybe this is the day my son will come home.