(Luke 15:18-22 NIV) 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 men.' {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. {21} "The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' {22} "But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.
Anticipation is a wonderful part of life. We love to look forward to something: Christmas, getting our drivers license, graduating from High School, going to College, graduating from College, getting married, having a baby…. Anticipation makes life worth living. It is uncertain as to whether the father knows, for sure, if the son is going to come home. However, when the father saw his son, it seems that he could not contain himself. It is almost as if the father interrupts the son to, out of his joy, welcome him home. One thing is for certain, our Heavenly Father knows everything and it is comforting to know that he is anxiously waiting in anticipation with arms open wide for us. Does the half spoken confession matter? Good question. We know that God knows the heart. I am reminded of :
(Mat 7:7-11 NIV) "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. {8} For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. {9} "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? {10} Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? {11} If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
We may be evil, but when we seek God and take one step towards him, He runs towards us!
Brad Childers
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