Come on Home

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 am 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

From the previous verse we see the son come to his senses and decide to go home to his father.

The father saw him from a long way off. He had been watching and waiting for the son's return.

Do you remember being in love for that fist time and the one you loved had gone away, even for a few days? You fretted and fussed and longed to see you love. Remember that feeling?

The father loved the son that much that he did not develop attitude against the son, did not go around putting him down and I'm sure there would have been plenty who were willing I do so.

When the father got to the son he did not say. "First have a bath, then I will give you a nice robe to put on". Repentance had already cleansed this son's heart, that was more important to the father.

I love the father's response to repentance. Genuine repentance draws out forgiveness, !they belong together.

Have you been in the pig pen? Have you realized where you are and where you could be? Get up and come on home! A welcome awaits you!

We have a Heavenly Father who keeps no record of wrong. Come home! Amen!