We have all heard, in some respect or another, the parable of the prodigal son. (Luke 15:11-32) The story of a young man who wanted to go off into the world and live his life. He asked his father for his share of his inheritance, packed his bags, and off he went, leaving behind a saddened father and an upset brother. Now let's fast-forward to the part where he has squandered away his inheritance and hasn't a single shekel left to his name. He had literally hit rock-bottom!

Like any child who has ever gone against his parents' wishes, this young man felt ashamed to go back and face his father. How could he? He had been tired of always working. He had been done following his father's orders. He had wanted out. And when life dealt him a bad hand and he lost everything, he had two choices: Figure it out on his own and probably end up worse off, OR He could serve himself a slice of humble pie and return home, admitting his failure and ask his father for forgiveness.

Scripture tells us he chose the latter and I can imagine the pep-talk going on in his head as he dragged his feet toward the life he had left behind. His thoughts probably bounced back and forth between: “Oh, Dad’s going to be so mad at me!” to “It's OK! I can do this! Everything will be alright!”. What he hadn't counted on was that his father's forgiveness was already his. When his father saw him from afar, he ran to his son with open arms crying, “You've returned!”

Parables are meant for God's children to be able to understand God's heart in a tangible way. And so, this story is an example of how God’s forgiveness is readily available to those who ask for it. Like the father in the story, our Heavenly Father is waiting for his stray children to return home. As Christians, you may find yourself tired of living by God's rules; maybe you desire some of that “freedom” you think living away from God might give. Perhaps, you've walked away from your Heavenly father in hopes of “finding yourself”, but instead, found yourself lost, hopeless and in need of a Savior once again. My friend, forgiveness is yours for the asking. God is waiting for you to return home to Him so that he can take you in his loving and merciful arms and say: “My child, everything will be alright!”

Suggested prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, I have walked away from your protection and from your will. Today I return to you and ask for your forgiveness. Thank you for sending your Son to die on the cross to make that forgiveness available for me. Thank you that, in you, I have the promise of eternal life. Help me to live for you in a way that brings others to you as well. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1. Luke 15:24.