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20
A Call to Stand Apart
with only rags left for clothes, he finally left the pigpens and set out
for the place he grew up as a child
The runaway had no conception of the sadness that had over-
whelmed his father when he left. He never dreamed of the shadow
that came over the whole house when reports filtered back of his
wild partying. And no one could have convinced him that every day
his father sat, watching, waiting, for his son’s return. Yet now, with
weary and painful steps, he turned eagerly toward home to beg for a
servant’s position.
While still a considerable distance from the house, the father
recognized his son and ran to meet him, hugging him in a long,
clinging, emotional embrace. To protect his son from being observed
in such a destitute condition, the father took off his own beautiful
coat and placed it around the boy’s shoulders
Overcome by such a loving reception, the young man began to
sob his repentance speech. But the father would hear none of it. He
had no place in his household for a servant-son; his lad must have
the very best the house could provide. The father told his servants
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to bring the finest clothes and a ring for his hand, to find fine shoes
for his feet and to prepare a feast so everyone could celebrate. And
there would be a theme at this celebration: “The dead son is alive;
the lost son has been found.”
What a vastly different perception this boy now had of his father!
He had always thought of him as rather stern and severe. But no
longer. In his great need he saw the true character of his father.
Which is what this story is all about. In our rebellion, we often think
of God as severe and stern, demanding in His requirements. But
when you have been away a long time and are spiritually hungry,
dressed in the rags of sin and guilt, then you.’ll see how fully loving
and accepting the heavenly Father really is. When you take even
one step toward your Father in repentance, He will run to wrap you
in His arms of love. He will forgive your sins and never remember
them again.
Jeremiah 31:34
Don’t wait or try to clean yourself up so you can be good enough
to come to Jesus. If we waited to be good enough, we would never
come. Jesus is waiting for you, calling you, yearning for you. All
heaven will celebrate when you come home
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