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
Heavenly Father, most of us aren’t beginning this week in a faraway country—bankrupt and feeding somebody’s swine. Neither are we filled with the soul-sapping venom of self-righteousness. We’re a 3rd kind of “son”—a hybrid.
We’re comfortable, well fed, and “nice”—yet just as much in need of fellowship with you as your two sons profiled in Luke 15.
Father, we take great comfort in knowing that we’ll always find you filled with compassion for us, even when our feelings for you are fickle and chilled. As we saunter toward you, you’re always running toward us in Jesus. As glad as we are to see you with the eye of faith, you are thrilled as you gaze upon us—from afar and up close.
When we’re not as inclined to lift our arms in praise to you, your embrace is the most dependable element in our day. Your welcome is constant and life-giving. Indeed, you don’t extend your hand to shake ours; you throw your arms around us in the Gospel.
And though our affection for you wavers, yours for us is non-stop, full-bore, and unfiltered. You shower us with multiple “kisses” all day long. Hallelujah, you love your children with an everlasting, unwavering, non-contingent love.
Because the Gospel is true, we’ll seek to live and love to your glory today. It’s not our grasp, but your grasp of us in the Gospel that matters the most. It’s not our wavering experience of peace, but the assurance that you are at peace with us that is bodaciously awesome. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ treasured and triumphant name.
