Love that runs
Introduction
“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).
Parents dream of their children’s futures, but sometimes those dreams don’t unfold as expected. The story of the prodigal son is one of rebellion, resentment, and ultimately, redemption. But at its core, this parable isn’t just about the sons—it’s about the father.
A Father’s Love:
Jesus tells this story to reveal the radical love of God. The younger son demands his inheritance, wishing his father were dead—and squanders it all. The elder son remains dutiful but grows resentful. Yet, the father responds in ways that defy expectation, thus proving a glimpse of how God waits for and restores us.
God waits. Love does not coerce.
God restores. Love does not demand explanations.
God invites. Love does not reject frustration.
And when the lost son appears on the horizon, love runs, embraces, restores, and celebrates this one who was “dead and is alive again, who was lost and now is found.”
Love We Long For:
We yearn for such love, don’t we? We thirst for love when we have wandered, and when we are feeling the least loveable. God offers it to us! We never stray so far as for God to forget or turn a back toward us.
Maybe you are not waiting for such love right now. But there are people all around who are. This is our chance to do what Jesus would do. Just as the father in the story, Jesus would welcome, share, give fellowship, forgive, and guide such a person.
How Will We Respond?
The younger son accepts grace. Will we?
The elder son stands outside, arms crossed, demanding fairness. What will we do?
The story leaves us with a choice: Will we embrace the love that runs toward us, or will we stay outside, missing the joy of grace?
Jesus tells this parable to show us the heart of God—a love that waits, a love that runs, a love that invites. How will we respond?
Please contact us if you want to know more about God’s love and grace!