Luke 15:11-32 is the narrative of the Prodigal Son, a story in which most of us are rather familiar. Many of us have our favorite part of the story, many can relate to a particular character, all of us are blessed by what the account says about Gods character. My favorite part of this scripture lies in Luke 15:20 where scripture says the father ran to meet his son. I love this because it reminds me that God runs to me when I return to Him. He doesn’t sit there waiting for me to journey back to Him. He doesn’t slowly meander my way. He runs swiftly and embraces me as I return.
As a fallible human, I wonder away from God more than I’d like to admit, but every time I come back to Him, He runs to greet me with open arms. Even if I’ve only been gone for a moment, especially when I’ve trailed far from Him, He darts toward me.
Our returning to Him isn’t the only time He welcomes us with open arms. He runs to us when we look away, even for just a second, but choose to stay by His side. It’s when we choose dignity and peace over the ways of the world when He embraces us. When we choose to follow what He sees as best for our lives rather than pursuing our own understanding or desires.
God runs to you when you…
- choose to walk away from the party.
- choose not to fall into the trap of lust.
- honor your parents.
- strive to know Him more.
- make your family and friends more important than success or your reputation.
- don’t post that potentially hurtful comment on social media.
- walk away from materialism and give away some of your belonging.
- defeat negative talk and speak the truth about your identity.
- realize your true beauty.
- find healing in Him after a broken relationship.
- defeat self-doubt.
- set aside drugs or alcohol.
- decide to consume a meal rather than throw it up.
- love a stranger.
- reach out to someone who isn’t very popular.
- try to forgive.
- go to church rather than sleep in.
- choose Him, His ways or His glory.
It’s in these moments that the echo of feet rhythmically hitting the ground can be heard as God runs to embrace His beloved daughter.
