Like the father of the Prodigal Son, God can see repentance coming a great way off and is there to meet it, the repentance is the reconciliation.
~Dorothy L. Sayers (1893-1957)
So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. “And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ “But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet; and bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’ And they began to celebrate.
~ Luke 15:20-24
This writer has, perhaps, the most blessed life ever.
The road to this place, however, is littered with pain and loss and hurt and brokenness and (thankfully) even the death of my old life. The hurt was not just my own. i hurt so many people. Let so many down… There is no longer any shame. By His Grace, i am persuaded that the forgiveness He wrought and poured out on me is complete. But, oh G_d! Do i regret the pain my life caused (and causes to this day).
Spiritually, it has been like coming home. And i am often gob-smacked astonished to look up and see Abba smiling at me . i live often in the same sense of what the Prodigal Son perhaps felt when he experienced having that first bath and the beautiful robe and ring placed on his hand.
And then comes in a flyer. You know, a flyer… One of those unexpected moments. One of those times that just doesn’t make any sense – other than the fact that the Love of G_d is simply beyond our ability to understand.
Almost two years ago, a man, a pastor, a brother and friend told me that he was basically done trying to help me. My life and actions had shown a desperate propensity towards being unworthy of any trust. My addiction had landed me in the toughest of spots, and the only rescue available to me was going to be via the Miraculous.
And, glory to G_d! That miracle did come. But, the wreckage remained…
Regardless, the Grace of G_d is beyond compare. And He has been pouring Life into me in such torrents that it pours out in rivers of Living water into my circumstances. People are getting encouraged. Bills are getting paid. Lives are getting healed. Circumstances are looking up in ways that only look this way when the One who restores what the locust has eaten shows up. And He has set me on a high, open space; bound only to Him – and free as free can be.
So, this pastor, this brother, and friend contacts me today. i am making plans to visit children and friends in the town i left in shame in the past. And this man actually invites this prodigal to stay in his home; to stay in his son’s room as he is away defending our freedom.
This man’s only question…. “When will you be arriving?” And then he says, “I look forward to seeing you.”
Are you kidding me?!?!
Who is this G_d that we serve? Do we have ANY idea how powerful He is? Do we have any comprehension of how MIGHTY He is to save? Oh the depths of the riches of everything He is in us! And, OH, what a gift that He is the same in other people’s lives as well.
Oh beloved it is true. The whole thing. The whole truth of a Great and Loving G_d is true. Are you running? Are you stuck? Just turn around and go home to Him tonight. He is already watching for the merest beginning of the turn. HE will take it from there.
Just turn around and go home friend. He is waiting.
