The Journey of the ProdigalShembull

Restoration 

Luke 15:20-24 - 20 “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

I can’t tell you how many times I have heard this preached as if the father ran across the country jumped into the pig pen and walked the son home. Of course, I am exaggerating but often the emphasis is on the father running toward. I want to back up and lay this out clearly so the prodigal gets the credit he deserves in this story.

Where was the son physically when he came to his senses?

Remember, he left home and went to a far-off country. He lost all his wealth and he no longer had a donkey or horse. He had to physically walk every day for weeks or months to get back to his father’s driveway. This young man had to show incredible determination not to go back to his old ways. He had to humble himself and depend on God to provide even the most basic essentials like food, water and shelter.

Daily, he had to stay laser focused to his commitment to go back where he belonged. His sweat, effort and determination are rarely highlighted. I know I have worked with many addicts who were prodigals. They had to change play places, play mates and play things. This young prodigal did all of these prior to the father taking his first step toward his son.

Now let’s get back to the way this stories emphasis usually goes and that is on the father. The father obviously spent many days looking out his window. How he recognized this emaciated not shaven poorly clothed boy as his son is amazing but he did. The Father knows us regardless of our condition or appearance.

The Father’s heart is always filled with compassion. The Father is aware of all the effort and transformation it takes us to humble ourselves and come back to Him. He patiently waits but when the moment happens and we enter that place where he sees us as we are moving toward him, his compassion swells and he cannot stand still waiting for us to get to the porch, he rushes down the driveway.

What’s interesting here is the father didn’t speak first. There was no lecture about the wages of sin… The father spoke the universal language of a hug. I am sure that was exactly what the prodigal needed. He needed to be affirmed that everything was okay, to know, “You’re my son nothing has changed that. I love you son so much.” I am sure the prodigal received all of those messages in that fatherly hug.

If the hug wasn’t enough the father planted a kiss like only a dad can on his son. I ‘m sure this settled the issue “I’m so glad you’re here. I love you with all my heart. It’s going to be okay.” These acts of affection I am sure might have been unexpected but they had the message, “I love you” loud and clear.

This is the Father’s heart. He wants all of us who are far away to know we are loved and welcomed home.