A Long Way Off

My all time favorite story in the Bible is the parable of the prodigal son. I love the fact that each time I read it, I may relate to a different character: The ignoramus son, who goofed horribly, rehearsed the apology, and was humbled by forgiveness. The dutiful son, who, in spite of doing all the right things, wasn’t the one who got the big party (and was, quite frankly, resentful). And the father, ever ready to embrace both sons in unconditional love.

But my favorite line in the story comes in Luke 15:20. While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him and was filled with compassion. What does this say about God – the “father” in the story?

Was he wringing his hands, worrying about when his wayward son would return from his foolish journey and turn away from sin? Was he sitting in heaven scowling, disgusted with his creation, planning his revenge? Was he totally detached, having written the son off as a lost cause?

While he was still a long way off... The Father was actively looking for the son. Eagerly keeping an eye out for his return. It may be easy to imagine that God is looking out for us, especially when things are going well, but it’s interesting to note that scripture assures us that he is also looking for us. Waiting, each and every time, in each and every circumstance, for us to turn to him so he might embrace us, forgive us, and bless us.

I saw a Facebook meme recently that said IF GOD SEEMS FAR AWAY, GUESS WHO MOVED? I love the image of a God who is constantly on the look out for me, waiting for me to talk to him, to rely on him, to praise him, to need him! Too often, I think we feel inferior and unworthy of a real relationship with the Creator of the universe, and well we should – because He is God, and we are not. But a closer look at scripture shows us that God loves us not just in spite of our flaws, but also because of them. Not convinced? Consider Peter, the hot-headed apostle of “Jesus? Never heard of him!” fame. Peter not only abandoned Christ in his time of need, but also repeatedly and emphatically denied even knowing Him.

And yet, on the day of resurrection, when the women arrived and found the empty tomb, Mark 16:7 tells us that the angel messenger says, “Go and tell his disciples and Peter, He is going before you to Galilee…”

Why mention Peter specifically? Because like the prodigal son, Peter had, in modern terms, effectively dissed the Father, and was now hiding; living in shame and regret. And God wanted Peter to know in no uncertain terms that God still loved him and was looking forward to their being reunited. Just as the father ran to the prodigal son, filled with compassion, Christ sent a messenger to assure Peter that he was still loved and wanted.

We are all prodigal sons. We are a long way off from the people God intended us to be. Isn’t it amazing, humbling, and awe inspiring that we have a Father who is looking for us, waiting to embrace us with open arms?