1 Samuel 24, Jeremiah 26, Luke 15:11-32, Hebrews 7:11-19, Psalm 58: The song that is running through my head this morning is one we sang over 20 years ago. It’s title was Come Home. Some of the lyrics are “Come home, come home if you are tired and weary come home. The Father is waiting to welcome His own. Come home.” The story of the prodigal son is such a beautiful story of what our lives can look like if as the scripture says, Luke 15:17″But when he came to himself.” We must come to ourselves and the realization that we are far from where we want to be and where God wants us to be. It is only then that we can and will make the necessary steps to come home. The son looked around at the circumstances around him. He had gotten to the place he was willing to eat what the pigs were eating. He was filth and did not even have a decent place to live. He realized that if he confessed his choices to his father and asked to be forgiven and return his father was the kind that would forgive and at least have compassion and mercy to allow him to have a safe place to live and food on the table. In fear and practicing his speech to his father he returned. To his surprise he did not even get his speech out of his mouth. His father ran to him with open arms.
Something that son did not know is that his father had been waiting, looking for any sign of his return and planning for the day he came. The calf had already been fattened for the celebration. Rings had been prepared, a robe for him to wear. Our Father has made preparations for you as well. He is looking, longing, and prepared for any and all who will Come Home! Home to walking right with Him. Home to receiving the forgiveness and mercy we all need. Home to the loving arms of One who deeply cares for you. Home! Won’t you come home? Maybe you are home. Maybe you need to be praying for your brothers and sisters who are wayward. Have a clean heart and a forgiving attitude toward others. Love them as you desire to be loved. Welcome them home and instead of being like the brother in the story, join the celebration! The one who was far away has come Home!