Another modern story of God's love

He woke and it was early. 

It was his custom to rise early. “Perhaps today?” he thought. He rose and dressed quickly in the morning chill. He would watch the sun come up over the horizon as usual. He was faithfully watching, hoping, and praying. He had done this many times. Watching for his son. Money and fast living in the city had lured his son away from simple family life in the country.

He rarely, if ever, spoke about this longing. Relatives and friends just really didn’t understand. Comments like, “You just need to move on,” or “It is not your fault,” or “Adult children make their own choices,” did not help. This deep yearning for his child did not go away with platitudes or time.

This day was different. He saw his son coming in the distance. He was a mess. It didn’t matter. He was filled with compassion and ran to his son.

I wonder how long it had been since this old man ran?

Dear reader, this story is about you, whether you know it or not. It is from the Bible in the book of Luke, Chapter 15. The Father figure is God, the Almighty, Creator and Sustainer of all, the Most High. The child is you.

All of this chapter 15 in Luke is devoted to how God sees you and longs for you either son or daughter. He searches diligently and celebrates joyfully when you are reunited with Him. He will not force you to come to him. Love must be freely given. He watches. He waits with longing and heartache. We’re all a mess when He finds us. Don’t let that stop you.

The word for compassion in this parable is loaded with meaning. Implied is an emotion so great it evokes a physical reaction. We have had emotions like that. We say, “My stomach turned over,” or “My heart skipped a beat.”

Find a Bible. Read Chapter 15 in the book of Luke. Think deeply about what this means and how He longs for you.

Bud McConnaughey serves on the staff of North Summit Church, 201 N. Division, Sandpoint.