So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son.’ ”But the father told his slaves, ‘Quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Then bring the fattened calf and slaughter it, and let’s celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ So they began to celebrate. Luke 15:20-24
Dear heavenly Father, though this story of irrepressible love is familiar, it never will get old. It shocks our unbelieving hearts, ignites the longings you’ve written into our DNA, and fuels our worship on this very Lord’s Day.
This is the way you want to be known. This is the way you love us in Jesus. This is the way you greet us this very day. May our services of worship celebrate this ongoing story of our great brokenness, and your much greater compassion.
So we get us and come to you, Father. We come to worship you from the far away lands of our unrighteousness, and from the nearby precincts of our self-righteousness. We own and grieve the many ways we try to make our lives work on our terms, rather than by your grace.
And as we come, we see you running towards us in the gospel—not with a look of disgust, but with a face of delight; not with a furrowed brow of shame, but with open arms of welcome; not with a list of new rules, but with a robe and a ring.
We declare our unworthiness, and you declare us worthy in your Son. We want to move into the barn of our penance, and you want us on the dance floor of your mercy. We come to make our promises, and you lavish us with your kisses. Hallelujah, so many times over!
Father, on this glorious Lord’s Day, we worship and adore you, for so great a salvation and so great a Savior. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ merciful and mighty name.
