The parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15 is given by Jesus to illustrate the heart of God toward a repentant sinner. The prodigal rejects home, demands his inheritance and departs for a distant country where he wastes his inheritance through his living a wild, reckless lifestyle. But in the story he eventually comes to his senses when he hits rock bottom. It is then that he makes the decision to return to his home in hopes that his father will receive him back as one of his servants.
It is at this point in the story that Jesus reveals to us the grace of the Father and how He responds toward His repentant children. We see the father as anxiously awaiting and desiring the return of his son. Jesus tells us that when the son was still a great way off “his father saw him and had compassion and ran” to him. The father saw him because he was looking for him. What Jesus wants us to realize is that when we stray from God, He anxiously desires that we would return to Him. The father in the parable then immediately shows he has forgiven his son. And so too does our Heavenly Father forgive His children and restores our fellowship. The best robe is provided for the repentant son. The robe of sonship, not slavery. The robe of full, enthusiastic restoration to the family. That is the way the Father is when you come home. That is the heart of the Father toward repentant sinners.
The repentant sinner is totally, freely forgiven. With God there is only grace and mercy and love poured out on us and we are welcomed back as His children. He lets us know that He is not only glad; He is overjoyed that we have returned to Him. That’s how God responds when you turn from your sins and come to Him. What are you waiting for?
