Welcome Home

How many times have we said, “I’m not worthy?” How many times have we continued to visit our “past” in our minds and then feel so shameful and condemned because of our mistakes? When we recall those mistakes, we can feel more “unworthy” and “un loveable.” At those moments we can feel such condemnation that we can’t get past it, and at times we can’t accept God’s forgiveness and love towards us because of our shame. We think “I’ll come to God when I get myself cleaned up” or “I’ll come to God when I’m no longer making these mistakes anymore.” We can even think that God will love us more when we are a little more “presentable” in His sight.

In Luke 15: 1-24 we read the story about the prodigal son. The word “Prodigal” means “Addicted to wasteful expenditure, as of money, time, or strength; extravagant.”

This son took his half of his father’s estate that was entitled to him and left to a far and distant place, and in our term of words he “blew it all.” He spent his money on everything and anything he could. He used that money on sinful and shameful things. Then when he realized he was “broke” a severe famine broke out, and he had no money to buy food. So out of desperation he goes to a stranger for help who then sends him to go help with the pigs! So, there he was in the middle of the pigs and he found himself hungry. He was so hungry that he was willing to eat what the pigs ate, but no one would give him anything. The Bible says that when he came to his senses, he said his fathers hired men ate better than this and that they have plenty to eat.

He then realized that he needed to repent and go home. He even said that he felt so “unworthy” that he shouldn’t even be called his father’s son anymore, and that he should be as one of his father’s hired men. He felt a lot of shame and guilt at that moment, but in his heart he was sorry and wanted to repent to God and his father.

So, he decided to go home and the Bible says that he was yet a ways off and yet his father saw him coming and felt compassion for him. He ran, embraced and kissed him. It’s as though his father was outside watching for him to come home. He was welcoming him with all the love a father has for his son. The son then humbled himself and repented to God and his father, and said, “I’m no longer worthy to be called your son.” The Bible says the father called his slaves and told them to quickly bring the best robe, ring and sandals and for it all to be put on his son. The father goes on to say, “His son who was “dead” is now alive and who was “lost” is now found.”

This father instantly forgave his son and restored him to his family. The son came home with no money and a “past”, but he also came with a repentive heart towards God and his father, and both forgave him. His father then brings out the best of everything for his son and rejoices that his son is home – no questions asked – no hesitation.

This story should give us much joy and peace, because it’s about our father and us. We all have been the “prodigal” son or daughter at one time or another. We have all turned to our own ways and have done what we wanted regardless of the price to others or us. We do though have a father who is “looking” for us with His arms outstretched waiting to take us again into His arms and bless us with all His best. He rejoices when we are looking to Him and not to our past – to our shame and guilt.

When we repent and humble ourselves our father is always there for us. We are not worthy on our own based on our actions, because we all fall short. We are though “worthy” because we are His sons and daughters, and that qualifies us for everything He wants to do for us. It’s not about what we have done - no matter what it is or how many times we have done it. It’s about how much love, forgiveness and grace that is available to us at any time.

We can’t let our past or pride get in the way of us “going home” to our father – He’s looking and waiting for us. He wants to lavish everything He has on us because His love for us is endless and so is His forgiveness.