Homecoming

Luke 15:20-21 (New International Version)
New International Version (NIV) Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society

20So 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.

21"The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.[a]'

Footnotes:
Luke 15:21 Some early manuscripts son. Make me like one of your hired men.

We are all familiar with the parable of the "Prodigal Son". A young man asks for his inheritance, leaves his family and blows the entire sum in a grand set of parties and extravagant spending. Finally, destitute and working the lowest job possible, he comes to his senses and decides to head home to confess his sin and beg to be accepted as one of his father's hired hands.

There are several interesting things in this passage. First, his father was looking for him. Note in verse 20. "But while he as still a long way off, his father saw him." The father was waiting for his son to return. God is like that with us when we sin and turn from him. He awaits the return of those whom he has called. Secondly, note that the father runs. This would require the lift of ones long robes so as to run, a very undignified thing for an adult male to do. His joy of his returning son has caused him to forget all about social practices and with great fervor, he runs to his lost son. Finally, in verse 21, note the confession of the son. This is one that we all need to make to our Father for it is only through true confession that God can fully work through and in our lives.
Now about the homecoming piece. David Redding writes about a homecoming during World War II. He had a big black Scottish shepherd named Teddy who would do anything for him. He waited for David everyday to come home from school and slept beside his bed at night. Teddy would even leave his food dish mid-meal if David called (what a dog!). No one could get within a half mile of the Redding home without Teddy's permission. It was a difficult parting when David headed off for training. Now to David's words.

So, coming home that first time from the Navy was something I can scarcely describe. The last bus stop was fourteen miles from the farm where I lived. I got off there that night at about eleven o'clock and walked the rest of the way home. It was two or three in the morning before I was within a half mile of the house. It was pitch dark, but I knew every step of the way.

Suddenly Teddy heard me and began his warning bark. Then I whistled only once. The barking stopped. There was a yelp of recognition, and I knew that a big black form was hurtling toward me in the darkness. Almost immediately he was there in my arms. To this day that is the best way I can explain what I mean about coming home.

What comes home to me now is the eloquence with which that unforgettable memory speaks to me of my God. If my dog, without any explanation, would love me and take me back after all that time, wouldn't my God?

What more needs to be said? This is great news and provides a powerful example to those who feel that God could never accept them because of their sinfulness.

Blessings,

Mark