The Prodigals That Are Us

Did you ever notice what the father of the prodigal son did when his son headed down the driveway towards him?   Let me show you:  But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him (Luke 15:20).  Look at all those very active verbs!  Look at how he expressed his love for his son.  Is this not the way we long to be loved, especially when we have wronged our Father?  It's unfathomable, really.  

And yet, it's true.  Just look for a minute at Ephesians 1: In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.  (Ephesians 1:7-10 ESV)    And this, while we were yet sinners.  This unfathomable love is ours because of Christ.  We are not strangers but children, if we belong to Christ. 

Take a good long look at those verbs highlighted above.  This is our Father, lavishing His love on us.  Soak in that image and savor it.  It's all true.