Luke 15:20
“But while he was still 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.”
Jesus forgives us, can you believe it?
Have you ever heard the story of the prodigal son? It’s one we can all relate to, understand personally, and get so much truth from. Let’s dive into it.
Luke 15:11-32 tells the whole story (if you’re interested in flipping open your bible and reading it all the way through). I’ll give a brief summary for you. This man had two sons. His youngest son woke up one day and decided he wanted to see all that the world had to offer. He ran off and spent time partying, livin’ large, and as the bible puts it, “squandering his wealth.” I bet it was fun. I bet he had a blast for that short time, but that lifestyle came to an abrupt stop. His sinful living didn’t sustain him and soon he found himself wandering back to his father’s house. And guess how his father met him…
It says his father was “filled with compassion,” he wasn’t slow to respond to his son’s return, he actually ran to him, and he even went as far as throwing a massive celebration for his son who once was lost, but was now found.
Do you believe that when you come before Jesus and ask for forgiveness, the responds in that way?
He does.
I bet the prodigal son was shocked, taken off guard. He turned completely from his father. He ran away from all his father had from him and essentially said, “I want what the world has to offer. I want to do things on my own. I don’t need you.” How hard was it when reality hit him and realized, I need my father? Imagine the fear he probably experienced on that journey home.
But he came home to a father who resembles our heavenly father. When we come before God and ask for a second chance, just like the prodigal son, we get compassion, forgiveness, hugs, and a full on celebration.
For we were once lost, but when Jesus stepped in and forgave us, we were found and now a part of his family.