The Prodigal Son

Before or after reading this, I encourage you to read all of Luke chapter 15. Up to this point in the parable of the lost son, one son gets greedy, want his inheritance now so he can go live the life he wants to live.

He gets the money and he leaves but soon loses all his money and falls on hard times. To the point he had to go and get a job feeding pigs. Which for a Jews was considered an unclean job. So he decided to go home, where his father may give him a job and some food out of pity. But that is not the case.

As it says above, his father went running after him, gave him a hug, (which he is still considered unclean), and celebrated his return. Saying that my child was lost but now is found.

To hear those words, my child you were lost but now you are found and loved. Those are the words that we all long to hear on earth but also from heaven. Everyone wants to feel loved and wanted.

But the sad reality is that not everyone gets to hear those words everyday. And the lies that the world is telling us just continues to grow.

Your marriage is failing and you hear that you are not a good enough husband or wife. Your parents got a divorce and it seems like it was your fault. Your best friend rans off your boyfriend or girlfriend and now you feel empty or broken.

Maybe you lost your job and money is tight, which makes life at home stressful. Or you lost someone you love and now you feel alone. Or maybe that addiction keeps creeping back into your life, whispering in your ear to keep going, to keep it hidden, and keep it silent, makes you seem like the hole is getting deeper and darker, with no way out.

In these times, it feels like no one is for us, cares, nor understands. We all long to hear the words, I love you and I am here, you are safe, you are saved. But we cannot find that in the world.

But we can find in Christ the one who is never changing and aways loving. The one who doesn’t care how dirty we are, what we have done, or where we come from. He sees us far off, and he doesn't wait for us to come to him, but he runs after us to meet us where we are. He changes us, he cares for us, and he says my child welcome home. You are safe, you are loved, and you are mine.

Father, you are a loving, just, and a caring father. You run to us to save us and forgive us. Because of you we are loved, wanted, and safe. Because of you we made new. I pray that someone will see that you are for them and will never leave them.