Luke 15:20-24 New Living Translation

20 "So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. 21 His son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. 22 "But his father said to the servants, 'Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. 23 And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, 24 for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.

It is easy for us to judge the Prodigal Son for his selfish and profligate behavior. He wanted what he wanted and he wanted it now. While the actions in this story are extreme, demanding his inheritance so he could do as he pleased, this young man strikes a familiar note. Haven’t you ever talked yourself into a questionable move? We are all pretty good at rationalizing our choices and moving forward when we really ought to think it through a little more. We have all charged off in our own direction at times, perhaps moving away from Almighty God as we go. That might very well qualify us as “prodigal sons.” The good news is that the God who thought us into existence wants the very best life imaginable for us. He is the Heavenly Father who loves us in spite of our bad choices. We have to learn from our mistakes and that frequently involves pain. But, in the end, God is always there waiting for us to return. I like to imagine a celebration planned for each one of us when we go home…something to pray about.


Don’t forget to look for the Lord today. Vicki H.

                                                                                                photo by Marco Bianchetti

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