The Father's Overwhelming Love

Running – by Anna Darlene Edmondson

“Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us that we should be called the children of God!” (1 John 3:1 NKJV)

In Luke 15, we see a son’s need for his father’s love in one of the most familiar of all Christ’s parables, “The Prodigal Son.” The younger of the two sons had asked for early retirement. Then he journeyed to a far country, choosing a life of sinful self-indulgence. Finding himself depleted of resources he spiraled downward to the worst degradation of all and started living with swine, desiring to eat their slop.

Back at home, the father intently waited, looking for his son’s return. Picture in your mind’s eye, the father eagerly watching over the horizon every day for a glimpse of his precious child. Suddenly, one glorious morning he sees his beloved son a great way off, and he starts leaping, racing wildly toward him. He embraces him, kisses him passionately; he is overwhelmed with extravagant joy.

In your mind’s eye’, you pictured the father running. He didn’t care if it seemed disgraceful or if his servants were watching. His thoughts were only on getting to his precious son as quickly as possible and embracing him in his arms.

We’re all like the prodigal son. We need love, and unconditional love is what he received. Although the son was undeserving, over-flowing and unbounded forgiveness covered him like a warm blanket on a cold night (1 John 3:1). 

Bottom line, we need love and He gives it tenderly. Waiting with extended arms, Jesus runs towards us and meets us where we hide. God’s love doesn’t depend upon our worthiness, but transcends all other loves. Undignified. Outrageous love. He loves because that’s who He is and He can’t help it (1 John 4:19).

My comments: The Prodigal son came home when he "came to his senses" [Luke 15:17]; He repented of his sin. That is a critical part of this story. Then the Father was able to embrace his son.