“While he was a long ways off, his father sees him...” Isn’t that what God is doing; watching out for us to walk His direction so that He can run to meet us? I’m struck by the fact that he didn’t ask any questions. He didn’t scold. He didn’t offer a set of boundaries for re-entry. No talking about it. He just saw the boy---and took off running.
I’m reading a book right now called UnChristian. It’s written by the CEO of the Barna Group and is the culmination of researching and interviewing thousands of young adults to try to figure out why Christianity is not connecting. Turns out-today’s teens and young adults perceive that we “Christians” or not acting like Jesus would. They say we are unfriendly, judgmental, and down-right hypocritical. They say our actions speak louder than our words. OUCH!
What does that have to do with this parable? Raise your hand if you would have run to get the boy? Raise your hand if you would have waited for his explanation? Raise your hand if you would have given him the “I told you so” speech? I’ll be honest---I’m inclined to have at least made him walk to the porch! I’m just saying...I’ve still got a lot of work to do in this area!!! More running. Less talk...
Jim Bales
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