Most of us know the story of the Prodigal Son. This parable (a teaching story) is told by the Lord Jesus and recorded in Luke. The son realizes he is in need, “And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before you. And am no more worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired servants. And 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 embraced him, and kissed him.” (Luke 15:17-20)
This young man got his inheritance and he went off into a far country where he thought life was going to be marvelous. Wine, women and song look more exciting than working his father’s farm. He left and spent all that he had and was now miserable feeding pigs as hired help. One day this son came to his senses and decided the servants who worked for his father had plenty of food to eat. He decided to go home and ask to be hired as a servant.
When he neared home his father came running to him, threw his arms around him and kissed his dirty face. He was amazed at the welcome of his father.
This is a picture of the welcome by our Heavenly Father when we as sinners come to Him by faith. When we come home to the Lord we discover this is what we longed for the whole time. If you are in the far country today, you have wandered far away from home, it is time to turn around and head home to your father. Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins to make us welcome. When you turn around and head home you will discover your Heavenly Father has been waiting for you with open arms.
As that Motel 6 ad says, “He has left the light on for you and is calling you to come home.” I am so thankful that as He calls us, He will loving receive us. Thank you, Father, in Jesus wonderful name.
Dr. David Bouler of Global Faith Ministries, Chattanooga, Tennessee, contributed this column to the Journal Review. He can be reached by email at debouler@aol.com.
