Luke 15:17-20 (NIV)
17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So 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.
We’ve heard the story of the prodigal son many times. Jesus told this story to paint a picture of God’s love and promises for all his sons and daughters.
I always knew that the father threw a party for the son when he arrived. What I didn’t notice my whole life knowing this story, was this detail of the story: But while he was still a long way off.
We know Jesus was extremely intentional with the parables He gave, and He would never say something that did not have a meaning. This tiny detail that had been overlooked for a while is probably one of the most important details. The father saw his some returning from afar, and did not wait till he reached his door step to greet him. While he was still a long way off, the father ran out, filled with compassion and went to meet him where he was.
Jesus sees you and is filled with compassion. He runs to you, while you are still a long way off. When you feel like you are very far from the standards you have set for yourself, that you’re not quite holy enough, or good enough, remember: he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
God does not wait for you to “get to where you need to be”. He sees you making strides towards Him, and He is filled with love for you. He meets you right where you are.
so good sis! thank you for this <3
I shared this with my family because it’s so beautiful