The Heart of the Father

Luke 15:20-24 NRSV 

20 “So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. 21 Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; 24 for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate. “

Verse 20 is my favorite. Go back and reread 11-31 for this whole story. Although the prodigal son left, went through some stuff, he finally thought to go home. Let’s look at the heart of the father. He was always watching for his lost son. I find so amazing. I mean with everything one has to do- he was watching. 

When he saw his son, he ran to protect him. That was major as a man of his statue did not run. To run one had to tuck the robe between the legs, thus exposing leg. That is not what men of standing did. But this man ran and embrace his son stink and all. He knew his son’s scent through the stink. 

And then he restored him. He placed a robe on him reserved for guest, the ring on his finger symbolized honor and authority- sonship. Servants didn’t wear sandals. 

Listen bottom line, God watches even when we stray from him, it’s when we come to our right mind to turn back to him. When we can hear that voice “Come home.” He protects and then we are restored to sonship, daughtership. We were always that - but now we can recognize that. 

That’s the reader’s digest version. We can always return to God. He has already forgiven, we must forgive self. Happy Father’s Day! enough for now.