“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.”
Luke 15:22-24
There’s a wonderful scene in the parable of the prodigal son when the wayward son finally comes to his senses and begins to walk home. How does the father respond the moment that he spots his son in the distance? He runs and embraces him. There’s joy and celebration.
I know that’s a picture of redemption. I know Jesus is talking to us about what it’s like to come home when we confess our sins, and finally come back to the Lord. I know that’s the point. But, I also think it’s a beautiful picture of finally coming home to heaven, after the weariness and demands of this very difficult life and world. Then when we finally come home to heaven, our Heavenly Father is there, and He runs to embrace us! He’s full of joy! He’s got those tears in His eyes, as only a Father can have when His son comes home! And the celebration begins, and it never, ever ends! Because heaven will be like coming home. It’s like home is supposed to be. So I ask you, my friends, when your days in this life are done, will you be able to go home?
Come home, come home. Ye who are weary, come home.
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling – calling, oh, sinner – come home.
