“The Prodigal Son
Embraced”
“So he got
up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father
saw him and felt compassion for him,
and ran and embraced him and kissed him.” (v.20)
Jesus’
parable about a young man who asked for and squandered his inheritance and then
in humiliation returned home leaves us amazed at his father’s response: “When
he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran
and fell on his neck and kissed him.”
Instead
of a lecture or punishment, the father expressed love and forgiveness by giving
him a party. Why? Because “this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost
and is found” (v.24). Likewise, our heavenly Father forgives us and heaven
rejoices when one sinner repents (v.7,10).
May God
enable us to open our arms to others, just as His are open wide to all who turn
to Him.
The Truth
For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in
mercy to all those who call upon You. (Psalm 86:5)
