Luke 15:11-32 – A Father’s Love

Read Luke 15:11-32

Jesus teaches us some very profound lessons when he uses stories like this one, called parables. This parable is one of my favorites and reflects God’s loving character so well. It’s easy to imagine the story playing out right before your eyes. If you’re an “empty-nester parent” like me, you might even find yourself identifying with the father just a little bit. It’s always a good thing when we can insert ourselves into the Bible’s narrative.

We are often like that wayward son living our lives away from our Heavenly Father. We think we’ve got it all figured out as we “do our own thing,” trying to make our way. When we finally figure out that life can be so much fuller with God, we come running back, or maybe slinking back, to see if God is still waiting for us.

This parable assures us that God is waiting and watching over us. The story says that the father saw his son when he was still a “long way off.” The father wasn’t mad that his son had gone or lost all of his inheritance by making bad choices. What did the father do? He rejoiced and called for a big welcome home party.

A grand celebration is what I picture happening in heaven each time one of God’s children returns. Just a few verses earlier, Jesus had said, “In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!” (Luke 15:7) When you chose to follow Jesus, there was a party for you, too! One day, we will all be part of those heavenly festivities.

God’s love for us is that big and lasts forever. Doesn’t that give you comfort and a feeling of security? Just like the father in the story, God’s arms are open and ready to receive us. Some people just take a little longer to figure out God is waiting. My heart breaks for those who continue to walk in darkness, not knowing a better life is available to them. Better doesn’t necessarily mean riches or success, it means the joy and peace that flow from above, filling us exactly how we need it.

For the prodigal son in our story, his needs were food, lodging, and acceptance. His father clearly delivered. Likewise, our heavenly Father gives us exactly what we need. The apostle Paul knew this, too, and Philippians 4:19 says, “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”

When we imagine how the long-lost son felt upon his arrival home, that’s the kind of acceptance we experience in Christ. Take some time today to relish in the joyful assurance that comes from the forgiveness and grace of our loving God.

Let’s pray. Father, thank you for loving me even when I felt far from you. You never gave up on me. I am overflowing with love. Help me to overcome my feelings of inadequacy and be ready to serve you. Fill me with your spirit so that I can help others find their way back to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.