Welcome Home

How many times have we said, “I’m not worthy?” How many

times have we continued to visit our past in our minds and then feel

so shameful and condemned because of our mistakes? When we

recall those mistakes, we can feel more unworthy and un-loveable. In

those moments we can feel such condemnation that we can’t get past

it, and at times we can’t accept God’s forgiveness and love towards

us because of our shame. We think, “I’ll come to God when I get

myself cleaned up” or “I’ll come to God when I’m no longer making

these mistakes.” We can even think that God will love us more when

we are a little more “presentable” in His sight.

In Luke 15: 1-24 we read the story about the prodigal son. The

word prodigal means, “Addicted to wasteful expenditure, as of

money, time, or strength; extravagant.”

This son took the half of his father’s estate that was entitled to

him and left to a far and distant place, and he, in today’s term, “blew

it all.” He spent his money on everything and anything he could. He

used the money on sinful and shameful things. Then, when he

realized he was broken, a severe famine broke out and he had no

money left to buy food. So, out of desperation, he went to a stranger

for help who then sent him to go help with the pigs! There he was in

the middle of the pigs, and he found himself hungry. He was so

hungry that he was willing to eat what the pigs ate, but no one would

give him anything. The Bible says that when he came to his senses, he

realized his father’s hired men ate better than this and that they have

plenty to eat.

He then knew he needed to repent and go home. He even said

that he felt so unworthy that he shouldn’t even be called his father’s

son anymore, and that he should be as one of his father’s hired men.

He felt a lot of shame and guilt at that moment, but in his heart, he

was sorry and wanted to repent to God and his father.

So, he decided to go home, and the Bible says that he was yet a

way off and his father saw him coming and felt compassion for him.

He ran, embraced and kissed him. It’s as though his father was

outside watching for him to come home. He was welcoming him

with all the love a father has for his son. The son then humbled

himself and repented to God and his father and said, “I’m no longer

worthy to be called your son.” The Bible says the father called his

slaves and told them to quickly bring the best robe, ring and sandals

and for it all to be put on his son. The father goes on to say, “His son

who was dead is now alive and who was lost is now found.”

This father instantly forgave his son and restored him to his

family. The son came home with no money and a past, but he also

came with a repentive heart towards God and his father, and both

forgave him. His father then brings out the best of everything for his

son and rejoices that his son is home – no questions asked – no

hesitation.

This story should give us much joy and peace, because it’s about

our father and us. We all have been the prodigal son or daughter at

one time or another. We have all turned to our own ways and have

done what we wanted regardless of the price to others or us. We do

though have a father who is looking for us with His arms

outstretched, waiting to take us again into His arms and bless us with

all His best. He rejoices when we are looking to Him and not to our

past shame and guilt. When we repent and humble ourselves, our

Father is always there for us. We are not worthy on our own or based

on our actions, because we all fall short. We are worthy because we

are His sons and daughters, and that qualifies us for everything He

wants to do for us. It’s not about what we have done - no matter

what it is or how many times we have done it. It’s about how much

love, forgiveness and grace is available to us at any time.

We can’t let our past or pride get in the way of us “going home”

to our Father. He’s looking and waiting for us. He wants to lavish

everything He has on us because His love for us is endless and so is

His forgiveness.

What About You?

1. Have you messed up?

2. What has God provided for your healing and forgiveness?

From God's Garden Tools by Gina Burns