The Prodigal Son

Jesus told a story of a man with two sons. The younger son asked for his share of the inheritance while his father was still alive — an incredibly disrespectful thing to do. The father gave it to him. The young man took everything and traveled far away, where he wasted it all on wild living. When a famine struck, he was so desperate he took a job feeding pigs and longed to eat what the pigs were eating.

He came to his senses. He thought, "My father's servants have more than enough food, and here I am starving. I will go home and say to my father: I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son — make me one of your servants." He started the long walk home.

But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him — which means the father had been watching and waiting. The father ran to his son, threw his arms around him, and kissed him. He called for the best robe, a ring, sandals, and a great feast: "My son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!" This is the most beautiful picture of God's love in all of Scripture. No matter how far you have wandered, your Father is watching and waiting — and He will run to meet you.