Running to Welcome: Joy at Every Homecoming
Daily Scripture
Luke 15:17-24
17 When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have more than enough food, but I’m starving to death! 18 I will get up and go to my father, and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I no longer deserve to be called your son. Take me on as one of your hired hands.” ’ 20 So he got up and went to his father.
While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion. His father ran to him, hugged him, and kissed him. 21 Then his son said, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Quickly, bring out the best robe and put it on him! Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet! 23 Fetch the fattened calf and slaughter it. We must celebrate with feasting 24 because this son of mine was dead and has come back to life! He was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate.
Daily Reflection & Prayer
There is nothing restrained or dignified about the way a pet who loves you welcomes you home after you’ve been away for a while. In Jesus’ day, senior figures (such as heads of household) did NOT run—people thought it most undignified. But when the long-absent son in Jesus’ story showed up on the road home, his father ran to greet him. Jesus’ story was about a God who doesn’t worry about looking dignified. Jesus said God is thrilled and throws a party any time you take a step toward home.
- In Jesus’ story, the once cocky young man had hit bottom. He had no list of demands—he just hoped for a square meal in the servants’ quarters. What does it do for you to have a pet greet you exuberantly when you come dragging home after a bad day? What does it say to your heart to picture God racing down the road to embrace you, even when you are dragging yourself home to God?
- The son glumly said, “I no longer deserve to be called your son.” The father wasn’t worried about “deserving,” any more than a pet is usually deciding whether you deserve welcome. Scholar William Barclay said, “It should never have been called the parable of the Prodigal Son, for the son is not the hero. It should be called the parable of the Loving Father, for it tells us rather about a father’s love than a son’s sin.” * Can you trust that God’s love welcomes you whether you “deserve it” or not?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, as the old hymn put it, I have a “wandering heart.” But I want to keep turning toward home. And I rejoice to know that you are always eager to welcome me, even when I’ve wandered. Amen.
GPS Insights
Ava Nichols
Ava Nichols, serving as an intern with Operations at Resurrection's West location, wrote today's Insights. Ava will be a sophomore at the University of Missouri. She is studying Business with a focus on Finance. She has a pet basset hound named Gigi, likes to stay active by going on walks or playing pickleball, enjoys cooking/baking, and is a fan of Dr Pepper.
One weekend last October I didn’t have any plans despite the whirl of my freshman year. It happened to be the weekend following my dad’s birthday. So, I decided to go home, but without telling anyone I was coming.
After my two-hour drive, I pulled into the driveway and opened the garage door. So far, no one had noticed that I was home. As I walked through the door, I only had to take a few steps, and standing there was my dad. He was shocked–his jaw dropped, his eyes lit up, and his hands shot in the air. He wrapped his arms around me and gave me a big hug. He could not believe I was standing there, at home.
My dad met me. For all he knew, I could have been home to tell him I was dropping out of school. But he didn’t ask questions or make any assumptions. He welcomed me home with a smile and open arms, showing his love for me. He was happy that I was home, no matter what I had done while I was away. And he was celebrating, whether I deserved it or not. This is just the way God’s love welcomes us.
This line from Scripture stood out to me. “I no longer deserve to be called your son.” The son repeated this line twice in the few lines we read. He did not think he was worthy to return to his father, but his father welcomed him home with compassion and joy. Jesus tells us this story about a Father who offers forgiveness to his son, and just as important, the son accepts his father’s grace.
As we walk with God throughout our lives, how can we offer compassion to those who need it most? And how can we give ourselves grace to accept forgiveness in situations where we think we don’t deserve it?
When I think back to the day that I surprised my dad, I remember every detail as if it were yesterday. It was a moment of joy and celebration, as a father was happy to see his child come home. Just how I envision God’s reaction as His children come home.
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Scripture quotations are taken from The Common English Bible ©2011. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
References
* William Barclay, The Gospel of Luke (Revised Edition). Westminster John Knox Press, 1975, p. 205.
