So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him.'” (NIV) Luke 15:20-22
The son who was obviously weak (food had been scarce), he was dirty and stunk from having fed pigs (Luke 15:15). But, the father did not care. . .he kissed him over and over.
Have you ever wondered what might have been going through the son’s mind? Was he thinking . . .”I’ve been rebellious. I’ve always questioned my father’s ways. . . and all his rules. I wanted independence. . . to live life to the hilt. But, I was ungrateful and irresponsible. In my self-centered pride I’ve totally blown it! How could he have known that I was coming back? After all I’ve done to him and my family, why did he run to me? Why has he extended this kindness towards me?”
The son was the first to break the silence. He said, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” The father did not respond with: “You are darn right! You are not worthy! Why you aren’t worthy to be a slave for the poorest family in the village!” Before the son could say another word, the father said to his servants, “Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him.” Not just any robe, but his best robe! The type of robe that was worn at festivals and grand occasions. It was a gesture that demonstrated that he had accepted his son back.
Think about it. . . “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (NIV) Romans 5:8
I bet that as the father ran to his son, he had a smile on his face and a look of love in his eyes! What do you think?
