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One of my favorite Bible stories is one Jesus told of the Prodigal Son. We read it in Luke 15. The youngest son asks his father for his half of the inheritance. . .something one does not do, as an inheritance is meant for AFTER your parents pass away! And to make matters worse, that son takes the money his father gave him, leaves home for a far away place, and wastes it all on loose living.

It is like the son slaps his father in the face, then further shames him by the bad choices he makes—pursuing his own pleasure through alcohol, women, partying, and gambling. Does he even stop to think about his father? No. He thinks only of his own pleasure.

Until one day, he is destitute. His money gone, he looks for a job. The only job to be found is feeding pigs—stinky, dirty, hungry pigs! No one offers him food to eat, and his stomach aches with hunger! THEN this son remembers his father. He says to himself, “In my father’s house the servants lack nothing!  I will go home, not as a son, but as a servant, if my father will have me.”

So the stinky, smelly son heads home. His father MISSES him, watching daily down the road to see if his son comes home. When he spots him, he gathers up his robe and runs down the road to welcome his boy home.

Think about it. Does this boy deserve his father’s acceptance? Where is the honor the father dearly deserves? Jewish fathers are dignified and NEVER run with their skirts gathered like that. But this father does not care what people think. He LOVES his son!

“Dad,” the young man tries to say, “I have sinned against God and you, and I do not deserve to be your son. Please, receive me as your servant.”

“Quick,” the father summons his servants, “Take my son. Clothe him in a new robe, and sandals. Put a ring on his finger. This son of mine was lost, but now he is found!  Kill the calf, let’s throw a party! He was dead, but now he is alive!”

Jesus said, “I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” There is JOY in Heaven over every person who turns from their self-centered existence to seek the Father’s love above!

No matter what we have done, the Father waits for our return.