“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.” – Luke 15:20
One of my favorite stories in the Bible is the Parable of the Prodigal Son. It is the third one in a line of parables, told by Jesus, about loss and redemption. In this story, a father has two sons. The younger son asks his father for his inheritance. The father grants his request and the son leaves. The son goes out and wastes all of his fortune and is left with nothing. He decides to return home and beg his father to allow him to be one of his hired servants. He feels that he is not worthy of being called his son and thinks his father will never forgive him. To the son’s surprise, the father welcomes him back with open arms and celebrates his return.
This story shows us that we can become separated from God. When we separate ourselves from God, things inevitably go wrong. We find ourselves in a far worse place than we could ever imagine. We find ourselves lost and alone. Thankfully, we can return to God and be accepted. When we return to God, confess and ask for His forgiveness, God readily accepts us back, forgive us, and welcomes us home.
This story helps me to remember that even when I stray away from God, He is always there, waiting for my return. He will forgive me and celebrate my return. The choice is mine.
Lee Ann Simpson, Administrative Assistant, Asbury Campus
