January 15, 2019: SOAP #3330:  Genesis 37-38; Psalm 7; Luke 15

Scripture:  Luke (NIV) 15:17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you…. 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.

Observation:  The Father was not surprised when his son walked in the door.  He had been watching for him.  He was a Father who would sit and watch the road for a sign of his son returning.  When busy, he would take a break to go to a place where he could watch the road.  And when “he was still a long way off” He spotted His son!  Was the Father excited?  He ran to his son.  He gave him a big hug and kiss.

The Father did not wait for the son to come through the gate onto the property and through the door into the house.  No, the Father went out of the house and through the gate.  He ran down the road to His son!

Application:  With this story, Jesus described the great love the Heavenly Father has for us.  This well-known parable is commonly called “The Prodigal Son.”  But to me it would more properly be named “The Prodigal Son’s Father.”

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, your love is amazing.  You go out of your way to draw me to you.  It brings great joy to your heart when I respond to you.  You are the prodigal’s Father and you are my Father!    Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!