The Path

The Path

Luke 15:20-24, NLT

So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. 21His son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.” 22But his father said to the servants, “Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. 23And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, 24for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.” So the party began.

Setting the Scene

For the father to see his son “still a long way off,” he must have been looking every day, hoping to see the boy returning. The same path the son had traveled away from home, he now used to return. And on that same path the Father ran, “filled with love and compassion.” Typically in the first century a father would wait until a son showed some sign of respect before addressing him. In Jesus’ story, the father threw all social conventions aside and ran, opened his arms, and pulled his son tightly to himself. Then, thrilled in this joyous reunion, the Father interrupted his son’s prepared statement to proclaim a celebration.

In the two preceding stories, the seekers actively looked for the sheep and the coin, neither of which could return on their own. In this story, the father watched and waited. He was dealing with a human being with a will, but he was ready to greet his son if he returned.

Getting Personal

When did you realize that your heavenly Father was waiting for you to come to him?

In what ways have you experienced his loving embrace?

How has God’s love for you put you on track again and kept you there?

This father’s love and compassion picture the love God has always shown to his wayward people. Psalm 103:13 says, “The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him” (NLT). And he always welcomes his children home.

God gives opportunities to respond, but he doesn’t force his children to come to him. Like the father in this story, God waits patiently for them to come to their senses. He wants to welcome sinners back home with open arms. What compassion! What love! What grace!

Talking to God

Express your gratitude for the Father’s love that never gave up on you and never turns away from you.