Marble and Mortar - VOLUME 1 - Devotional ProjectНамуна

A LONG WAY OFF

“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.” Luke 15:20

“When I was lost

You called my name…”

The parable of the prodigal son is found in Luke chapter 15. In that chapter, Jesus tells 3 stories that center around the idea of things being lost. First, He speaks of a lost sheep, then a lost coin, and finally a lost son. Jesus, being a masterful storyteller, creates the scene for his audience by sharing that the father in the story has two sons who will one day inherit all he has established in his lifetime. The younger son demanded his portion immediately, essentially telling his father that he couldn’t wait for him to die. The father granted his request,  and the younger son left his home with a good chunk of change burning in his pocket. After he left, he lived a wasteful and frivolous life, spending all he had on things that wouldn’t last. We all are guilty of this at some point in life. We try to fill our empty hearts with stuff that can never satisfy. Eventually, the son ran out of money, lost all his friends, and even surrendered his dignity, taking a job feeding pigs as a way to garner wages. Everything the father had spent his life working for, the son destroyed in his selfish squandering. The young son decided to return home in his shame, expecting his father to reduce him to servanthood because of his actions. But, when he arrived home, he found his father waiting for him, watching the horizon for his return. The father ran to him, wrapped his arms around his son, and welcomed him home, showering him with celebration and love. He was so grateful for the return of his lost son. 

If we’re honest, this story is relatable for all of us. We’ve all gone our own way and done our own thing at some point when it comes to our relationship with our heavenly Father. Yet, our God still reaches out for us. Despite our sin, He sent His son to die for us, paying the debt for our sin. The Word tells us that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Rom. 5:8) This song is so powerful because it takes us on that journey that the son was on, reminding us of the unconditional love of God. Nothing can separate us from that love and when we start to see how deep and wide this love is, we can’t help but get swallowed up in his faithful arms. 

VERSE

When I was lost

You called my name 

A long way off

You ran my way

Your sweet embrace

It draws me close

All my debts

Left at your door

PRECHORUS

Like a father waiting You'll leave the light on 

And when you see me You'll come running

CHORUS

Your love is my strong and mighty tower

Your love is my shore upon the sea

And I know that when I run you’ll follow

Cause I know your love is my home

BRIDGE

There is nothing like Your love

Nothing Like Your love

In all the earth

In all the earth