The Breadth, Width and Depth of the Love of Our Father

Luke 15:20

And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.

"Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to Him" is the opening verse in the passage about the prodigal son.  Luke wanted us to know that Jesus was not speaking to His disciples. Jesus' audience was exactly who He wanted to reach with His message about the love of the Father.  Jesus used this parable to define the breadth, width and depth of the love of Our Heavenly Father for all people - no matter how much their lives separates them from being a disciple of Jesus Christ.

When the prodigal son returned in shame, he was a filthy and stinky.  He was a broken mess of a man, completely defeated.  His father saw no filth.  His father smelled nothing but the fragrance of the son that he so longed to see return to him.  The father did not scorn the son.  He celebrated his return and placed him in good standing once again.  

Jesus went into great detail to establish that Our Father in heaven will allow us to go as far away from Him as we choose.  But it will be our choice, not His.  He will allow us to choose the entitlements of the world over the entitlements of His kingdom.  But it will be our choice, not His.  But no matter what choices we make, He will not stop loving us.  He will not stop longing for us to return to Him no matter where we have gone in our travels away.  And when we do return, all of the heavens will celebrate our return.

Let us run to the One who waits for us with open arms.  Let us run confidently knowing that His love for us never changes.  Let us repent of our old ways so that we may receive the abundant love that covers us completely.  Let us share His perfect love and forgiveness with the world around us. 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your loving kindness, Your mercy and Your grace.  We rejoice in knowing that Your love for us is so great that You see us only in the image of Your Son, Jesus, whose blood covers the stench of our sinful pasts.  Father, forgive us for the times that we have chosen the entitlements of the world over Your precious gifts.  We humble ourselves before You and ask that we may be Your servants for all eternity. We pray our new lives in Christ will be an encouragement to others to join in Your heavenly celebration.  We ask all these things in the name of the One who washes us clean, Jesus Christ.