11Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.
13“Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
17“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.’ 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.’
22“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. 24For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.” NIV
Merciful Father-
I am sorry that I took my heavenly inheritance, ran away, and squandered it on worldly pleasures. Will you please forgive me for being so rebellious, selfish, and greedy? I tried to do things my way and look at the mess I’ve made! Please have mercy on me! I have sinned against heaven and against you. I do not deserve to be called your child. I’m sorry for the pain I’ve caused you. I am surprised that you never stopped loving me or looking for me. I never realized that I was such a valuable treasure to you. I was so foolish.
You are merciful and forgiving. I humbly come back to you seeking restoration. Thank you for accepting me with open arms just as I am – dirty and smelly from where I’ve been. Thank you for washing me and giving me an elegant robe of righteous so that I can be properly clothed to come to the party you’re throwing in honor of my homecoming. It’s good to be back home. There’s no place like it in heaven or on earth. It’s where I’m loved with everlasting love, safe, and can rest in peace. It’s where the fire can be lit in my heart and we can sit and talk. You tell me stories that teach me and help me to grow in spirit and strength. Thank you for welcoming me home. Home is where my heart is because of Jesus. Amen
Have you run away from the home of your loving Father? Do you need to seek his forgiveness? If so, run back. He’s waiting for you! If you’re already back home, join in the celebration by praising God for his love, faithfulness, patience, mercy, forgiveness and restoration.
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