AUG 1 - Home Again

20 And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.

Luke 15:20

We all know the story of the prodigal son, son leaves home after receiving his father’s inheritance money. Lives the “good“ life and spends/loses it all, he returns back home guilty and ashamed, only to be received and embraced with loving arms.

Parents will understand this, but people will find all kinds of ways to get your kids in trouble. But as a parent, you can’t help but see them with the same feelings the father had over his prodigal son. The Bible says he,

felt compassion

Did you see compassion in your home growing up? Did someone kiss your wounds if you got hurt or would they pour salt on them to teach you a lesson? I don’t know many people that come from compassionate homes, heck, not even complete homes. But I know this, our experience doesn’t always resemble God’s response. It’s hard for me to understand compassion, sometimes I almost flinch when praying and confessing some things. God’s never punished me, hit me, or verbally abused me. So why do we lump him into the same category of people that do?

Maybe because we can’t help but think of our parents when we think of God.

21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. 22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate.24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.

The father never addresses his confession, he’s just glad his son is home. You have a confession to make to God? Give it to him, but don’t be surprised if he ignores it and is just happy you’ve come home again.