.. The story of the Prodigal Son is not just a story. It's a reality we can all experience when we acknowledge our need to return to our Heavenly Father!

The Prodigal's Return

He arose, and came to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. - Luke 15:20



In the far-away country the boy had a vision of his old home. As he sat there and thought of his dishonor and ruin, there flashed before him a picture which made him very home-sick. The vision brought back the old home in all its beauty and happier memories. There was plenty there, while in his current situation the once happy, favored son was destitute with hunger.

It was a good moment for the prodigal. It was God's message to him, inviting him to return home. When a child is stolen from a loving family he may have recollections of better days -- memories that hang over the soul like trailing clouds in the sky -- dim, shadowy memories of something very lovely, very pure. So there is something in the heart of every one who has wandered from God that never leaves them. It is the memory of a lost innocence, of the Father's love, the vision of a heavenly beauty that can find itself again even in the worst of sinners.

When the prodigal reached home he found his vision realized. His father was watching for him, and in fact had been waiting and watching a long time. It is a picture of the heavenly Father's loving welcome of every lost child of His that comes back home. He receives the worst who comes humbly and in need of Him. From a great distance God sees the returning prodigal and runs to meet him. No matter how far we have wandered, there is a welcome waiting for us at home.