“While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him. He RAN to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” Luke 15:20
Heavenly Father, we’re still tempted to think this PDA (public display of affection) is hyperbole, metaphor, or reserved for those who are worthy of your joyful love and great delight. Even we who have a great theology of the Gospel struggle to personalize this part of the Bible. It seems too good to be true.
Our grace allergies, early-onset Gospel amnesia, and performance-based wiring each wage war against our enjoyment of your love. And then there’s the lies of the enemy who accuses us and misrepresents you. Continue to heal, free, and renew us, Abba.
This story reveals the way you love each of your daughters and sons all the time, no exceptions. Hallelujah, and thank you!
- You see us—whether we have run far from you geographically, emotionally, theologically, morally, or by nothing more than busy indifference.
- You feel compassion—not disappointment, disapproval, or disgust.
- You run to us in the Gospel—our only hope and perpetual welcome.
- You embrace us—not a pat on the shoulders, the “right hand of fellowship,” or an awkward side hug.
- You kiss us. If it wasn’t in your Word, Father—if Jesus himself hadn’t given us this revelation of who you are… we wouldn’t believe it’s for us.
Right now, you are running towards us. And you’re also pursuing our loved ones and friends who remain strangers to your grace and love. Thank you, Abba. Indeed, because of Jesus’ finished work on our behalf, you greatly delight in us, are committed to quiet us with your love, and rejoice over us with singing (Zeph. 3:17). Hallelujah, SO Very Amen, and heal our unbelief.
