PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 15:11-24
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“While he was still a long way off, his father saw him.” (Luke 15:20)
Jesus is responding to the muttering Pharisees (Luke 15:1-2).
As they saw it, this son was getting what he deserved.
But Jesus gives a surprise ending, and the Pharisees don’t like it.
The father doesn’t judge him, he embraces his pig-smelling son.
This is how God feels about ‘tax collectors and sinners’.
Though God lets us freely choose our way, God hates to see us suffer.
God never quits waiting, watching and hoping for our return.
Think about someone you would classify as a ‘sinner’.
Are we as eager to embrace them when they come seeking help?
Notice how the father doesn’t let the son finish his speech.
We would want to be sure he was sincere and understood his sin.
We might even insist on some kind of repayment plan.
Like the Pharisees, it shouldn’t be too easy to make things right.
Thankfully this is not how the story ends with God and Jesus!
PRAYER
Lord, you have shown us what God is really like, and it is not how we think. Thank you for meeting me before I’ve changed my life, and embrace me despite my stink.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him…” To think that Jesus is ready to receive me – patiently and actively waiting – keeping an eye out for me! Lord, I am so sorry for the times you had to wait for me to come to my senses – but I realize you were there along with your spirit – always near by – nudging me to go back to the ‘Father’! Thank you Lord! In the same way as I have forgiven help me to forgive and receive others!
This parable also reminds of the thief on the cross – who asked for forgiveness and was accepted then and thre by the Father. Come to the Father just as you are. He will accept you. He is waiting at all times to have His children come to Him. No hoops to jump through but just come.
Come as you are, that’s how I want you
Come as you are, feel quite at home
Close to my heart, loved and forgiven
Come as you are, why stand alone?
No need to fear, love sets no limits
No need to fear, love never ends
Don’t run away, shamed and disheartened
Rest in my love, trust me again
I came to call sinners, not just the virtuous
I came to bring peace, not to condemn
Each time you fail, to live by my promise
Why do you think, I’d love you the less?
Come as you are, that’s how I love you
Come as you are, trust me again
Nothing can change, the love that I bear you
All will be well, just come as you are.