Luke 15:20, “So he got up and went to his father. But while he was 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.”
Scripture is so amazing at painting clear pictures of God’s character. We find in this passage from the Book of Luke that no matter how far we have gone, God is always with us, and He is welcoming us back. This concept is illustrated so colorfully in the story of the prodigal son. The prodigal decided to go back to his father after his biggest failure. He had chosen to leave – and to leave harshly. He had chosen to spend his money and time doing things his father wouldn’t agree with. When the prodigal son finally recognized his sin against his father, he believed he wasn’t worthy of being called a son. But he hadn't even made it back to the house when he saw a figure running toward him. His father had been waiting and watching!
Receiving the love and forgiveness of our Father is the best way to bounce back from failure. He runs to us first, before we even say a word. 2 Peter 1:3 also reminds us, “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.” God not only welcomes us back with love, but He also equips us with the tools we need to accomplish our purpose.
Is it hard for you to make out the image of a kind and gracious father in the distance? The story of a running father is for you and me.
God forgives. Maybe you need to come back to the Father. Maybe you need to forgive someone in the manner in which the Father has forgiven you. Tell someone today about Jesus’ forgiveness.
God, thank You for Your unending love. Thank You for Your compassion. Thank You for second chances. Amen.