Luke 15:11-32

This is one of the most well known of Jesus’ parables. What always amazes me about this story is the patience and love the father shows. He willing hands over the inheritance probably knowing that the young foolish man would squander it. He knew that the boy would never fully appreciate his own home and the love he had there until he experienced life without it. So he let him go. What love! What support! What forgiveness! Then after all this, he welcomes him back with open arms. That is what God does with us. Whenever we stray and seek other lands and other entertainments, He waits patiently for us to learn our lessons and come running back, tears running down our face, arms reaching out for security. Many ask why He allows us to do it in the first place if He really loved us. Those same would ask why He doesn’t let us make our own decisions. We always want to eat our cake and have it, too. It doesn’t work that way. He loves us so much that He lets us make decisions, even bad ones, and then welcomes us back to heal us and to help us grow. God’s arms are open to you no matter what you’ve done and no matter where you’ve been. Who else would do that for you?