Day 9: From a Distance

Luke 15:17-20

When he came to his senses, he said, “How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants’.” So he got up and went to his father.

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.

Comments

The Prodigal Son had broken his father’s heart, first by desiring his father’s money rather than his father’s love, then by going away to a far country, and finally by squandering all that his father had given him.

Many fathers would have hardened their hearts if treated so badly by a child, but Jesus tells this story to show us the depth of our Heavenly Father’s love.

Though having been disrespected and disregarded, the father was persistently looking for his son, always ready to welcome him back with open arms.

Reflections

Are you looking for those who are still a long way off from God or do you have trouble seeing even those who are close at hand and ready to come to Him?

The son had a well-rehearsed speech that showed great contrition, but the father didn’t wait to hear it before embracing him. Do you look for something before deciding  a person is worthy of receiving God’s embrace?

Prayer

Open my eyes, Lord, to see both those close at hand and those far away who are being drawn to you.