October 31-Coming Home

Happy Wednesday to you and how is your week going? Yesterday was my baby-rocking day and man-o-man did that boy need some rocking (and walking). While I was there, Tracy found a baby picture of Tal and we both laughed when we saw how much Bo resembles his dad. And then my mind ran a quick movie of my son’s life before my eyes. From baby baths and lotion to curly headed toddler to skinny junior high to college to saying goodbye to that sweet little baby going to war. 


I know how awful it feels to say goodbye to a son and I know how wonderful it feels when he comes home. So when Jesus tries to explain to the Pharisees and the religious teachers how the Father feels when someone who was lost comes to know Him, he used the illustration of a son who left and returned because these are deep emotions that they should have been able to understand.


““So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. ’ “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.” Luke‬ ‭15:20-24‬ ‭NLT‬‬


The father was so excited (and relieved) when the son returned, he didn’t care where he’d been, he was just glad he was home! My favorite part of this story is that the Father says “quick!” He doesn’t want explanations, or penitence, but the restoration is immediate. And the party began. I know when my son came home, there was a new joy in our hearts. Our son who had been in harm’s way was now home. I think that’s how the Father feels. When we are away from Him, we are in harm’s way and anything could happen. When we get home, He is relieved and quickly the party begins! 


Dear Father thank you for running to meet us when we come to you and for loving us so much that you quickly restore us—not in weeks or days or hours but immediately you make us whole again. We worship you for who you are and for all the mighty and good things you do. You are glorious O God, an amazing Shepherd leading us where we should go. Thank you for your overwhelming grace and unparalleled mercy. We ask that you comfort our loved ones who are hurting and touch those who are sick with your hand of mercy—let them feel you near today Lord. You are the Alpha and Omega. Amen and amen. 


Love you dear one,

Pam



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