I was just sitting yesterday in my recliner wondering what I was going to blog about today for the ChristianWriters.com blog chain. I sat down to begin writing, and something else came out instead. And unfortunately today my mind is just not focused, so I’m going to have to rely on the Lord to lead me through.
Some say you can always go home, but that’s not always true.
A man named John Ed Pearce is quoted to have said, “Home is a place you grow up wanting to leave, and grow old wanting to get back to.”
Poet Margaret Elizabeth Sangster said, “There’s nothing half so pleasant as coming home again.”
I think about the prodigal son who left his home where he was loved, accepted, and provided for. He wasn’t happy with life at home. Perhaps he had to help his father, perhaps the meals weren’t fancy enough, and maybe his parents were “stuffy”. No matter what his reasons, the son left. He asked for his inheritance and took off (Luke 15:11-32).
You know what happened to him: he squandered all of his money. “Prodigal” means wasteful, so we know that he used his money in a way that was not wise. When all was said and done, he had nothing left. He knew that even his father’s servants ate better than he. Recognizing his pitiful condition, he decided to set off for home.
I can only imagine his embarrassment though, can’t you? Admitting defeat isn’t something that most men are able to do easily. I’m not a man, but I can’t imagine going home in the shape that that son did. No doubt he was ashamed and scared. I can imagine he might have wondered if his father would slam the door in his face. Or would he have to earn back his position in the family? I’d say that the trip home was not an easy one.
When he came in view of home, no doubt his pulse probably raced. Then something wonderful happened: his father spotted him in the distance. Did the father sigh and shake his head in disdain or murmur about his foolish son? No. The father RAN to his son, EMBRACED him, and KISSED him.
When the son told him that he was unworthy to be called his son, the father simply made his son welcome right back again, unconditionally. The son was given the best clothes, had a ring put on his finger and a celebration was on.
That’s exactly what happens when God welcomes us into His Home after we’ve strayed away. None of us is perfect, and let’s face it: in this world, temptation is all around. Television, newspapers, and the internet is full of stories of sin–sins committed by unbelievers and believers. Yep, believers are sinners, too. Just like sheep, if we’re not listening to our Shepherd’s voice, we can go astray.
The good news is, when we go off the path that God wants us to take, we can ALWAYS go Home again!! Just like the prodigal son’s father, our Father God waits for us, ready to run to us, embrace us, and host a celebration.
Don’t let fear or embarrassment keep you from going Home. God will accept you just as you are–filthy rags, penniless, or shameful. He doesn’t care where you’ve been; He just wants you.
Wow, if that was off the cuff, I agree with Scott.
I love that song, I remember Bennie Hester doing it. I bought that album for that song. Every time I hear the story of the Prodigal I remember that song. I didn’t know PCD did a remake, but they did a wonderful job with it.
Your post reminded me of the modernization of The Prodigal I wrote as a play for my church many years ago. Great post and insight, Jami. Thank you.
Thanks for such a nice post to kick off the September blog chain.
Great start for the chain for September. I loved the story of the prodigal son, it is one of the great ones of the Bible. How God is always there waiting for us to return.
Goodness . . . if you wrote this at a time when you weren’t “focused,” you must be masterful when you’re at the top of your game. This was a wonderful, relevant, and spot-on message that fits the theme perfectly. The Lord led you through this one, indeed!
Love the song, too. I actually grew up on the Benny Hester version, but I’ve always been a fan. Great stuff.
Awesome Jami I wrote on the prodigal too but yours is a different perspective – I love it!
very cool, the perfect “coming home” story… and the one we can most likely relate to, the love between a parent and their children is pretty special indeed… right behind the love and grace we receive from Him. Thanks for a great one!!
I have had one too many “coming home” parties with God. Like you said; He is always waiting with open arms on my return. Thank you for reminding me that I do need perfection to get God’s grace.
Jami, wonderful post to kick off a month of CW Blog Chain “Coming Home” posts! So beautifully written. I love the story of the prodigal son — such deep, abiding, forgiving, merciful, lavish love of a parent for a child, of our Heavenly Father for us. Grace rain falling!
Thanks to you all for your wonderful comments. I truly appreciate them all. And I’m so glad that we share such a merciful God!
Thank you for sharing this Jamie. You are absolutely right, it is hard for us men to admit we are wrong. It is something that I have had to work on to overcome. It is now extremely important to me to be able to admit my mistakes and apologise to my wife, my children and work colleagues whenever it is necessary.
I am so thankful we have a God who is always willing to forgive and take us back,.
The Father always stands with open arms, waiting our steps in His direction. Great start to the chain, Jami!
Why God loves us so much…I have no idea. I’m thankful He does is all.
your post has blessed me… thanks and a biiiiiig hug
JayBee
The depth of love the father had for his son always touches me, as does the depth of love the Father has for all His children. Good post!
(pprmint777 on CW.com)
We always told our kids, “No matter what you do you can always come home.” It is my prayer that they wil always remember that no matter where life takes them …
Great Post!!! I love the concept of God running towards us.
http://collegemanual.blogspot.com/
The prodigal son–the ultimate coming home story. Isn’t it wonderful that no matter how far we stray we can always come home. Thanks for sharing!
Excellent start to the month, Jami! I really enjoyed this post, and I love that song. 🙂 Great way to kick off our topic for September.
I’m a late reader and you’re a late poster so I get the first comment! Very appropriate post for the topic – the most famous coming home story. I still feel for the brother that stayed home and worked hard.