“And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.” (Luke 15:20)
The Lord expelled Adam and Eve from the garden of Eden. But He did not want them to live separated from His presence! Even before Adam and Eve left the garden, God promised that the woman’s offspring would bruise Satan’s head. This was the first prophecy about Jesus Christ, Who would come to conquer Satan and to reconcile humans with God.
In Luke 15, Jesus tells a story to explain God’s attitude towards sinful humans. A son asked for his share of his father’s property, left home and spent the money in reckless living. When all the money was gone, a severe famine arose in that country and he had scarcely anything to eat. Then he decided to go back to his father and ask for mercy: “I will say to him: Father, I have sinned against God and have done wrong to you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. But let me be like one of your hired workers” (Luke 15:18-19, ERV). However, as soon as his father saw him coming, he welcomed his son in and organized a party.
This is a moving example of God’s love. He knows how badly we have sinned and how hopeless our situation is. But He invites us to come back home!
Have you accepted His invitation?