The father runs
Today's focusIn the parable of the prodigal son, the father sees his returning son from far off, runs to him, embraces him and celebrates; this pictures God's eager welcome to all who come home.
Read
17And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, 19And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. 20And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. 21And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. 22But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: 23And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: 24For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
Reflection
When the son decided to "arise and go" to his father, he expected a cold welcome. He felt he was "no more worthy" to be called a son and hoped only to be treated as a servant. You may sometimes feel the same way when you have made mistakes, wondering if you have lost your place in God’s heart. You might prepare a long apology, feeling that your past has separated you from the love you once knew.
However, this passage reveals a father who does not wait for an apology to show love. While the son "was yet a great way off," his father saw him and felt "compassion." Instead of waiting for the son to reach the gate, the father "ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him." There was no hesitation or anger.
This is how God welcomes you home. He does not settle for making you a servant; He restores you fully. The father calls for the "best robe" and a "ring," celebrating because one who was "lost, and is found" has returned. You are not just tolerated; you are cherished and celebrated.
AI-written reflection on the passage above. Let Scripture itself be the main thing.
Reflect
How does the picture of the father running to his son change the way you think about coming back to God?
Pray
Father, thank you that you run to meet those who come home to you. I come back to you today, just as I am. Thank you for your embrace, your welcome and your joy over me.