Home at Last

Jesus told a parable about a lost son in Luke 15:11-32.  The younger of two sons said to his father, “Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.”  The father divided to him his livelihood.  A while later, the son gathered his belongings and set off for a distant country.  After living a riotous lifestyle and eventually finding himself starving, he came to his senses and headed back home.

From a father’s perspective, I can only imagine what was going through the mind of the boy’s father when he saw a familiar-looking figure in the distance.  I picture the boy with his head bowed low, as if the weight of the whole world rested on his shoulders.  I can almost hear the father exclaiming aloud, “Could it be?  It looks like…!  It’s him!”  I imagine he could hardly believe his eyes.

Even though his son had left home and squandered his inheritance on riotous living, none of that mattered now.  His boy had finally returned!  The son hoped that his father might at least allow him to become one of the household servants in exchange for something to eat.  He was home at last!

He is known as the prodigal son.  Rather than rejecting him for leaving home and wasting his wealth, his father was overjoyed and ran to meet him with open arms.  He had compassion on his son, embraced him, and kissed him.

“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick!  Bring the best robe and put it on him.  Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.’”

His father then had a feast prepared in his son’s honor.  The one who had been lost was now found.  His wandering son was home at last!

Likewise, when a wayward individual finally recognizes the depths of their sinful condition, comes to Father God with a repentant heart, and asks Him for forgiveness, God welcomes that person into His family with open arms.  He lifts the burden of sin from their shoulders because He cares deeply for them.

I can relate to the prodigal son.  I, too, reached the end of my rope, needing to feel the loving embrace of my Heavenly Father.  He did just that.  It is called amazing grace!

God does not reject a sincere, remorseful heart that seeks His forgiveness.  Instead, He welcomes the repentant sinner with love, mercy, and grace.

One day, all of God’s children will rejoice at the great celebration in heaven made possible through Jesus Christ, who opened the way for believers to enter into the joy of the Lord.  What a glorious day that will be when the family of God is gathered together in His presence!

The day is coming when every redeemed child of God will be home at last!

(Revelation 21:3-4), “And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people.  God Himself will be with them and be their God.’” (vs 4) “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying.  There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd