Compassion For His Son

Scripture: 17 So he had this moment of self-reflection: “ What am I doing here? Back home, my father’s hired servants have plenty of food. Why am I here starving to death? 18 I’ll get up and return to my father, and I’ll say, ‘Father, I have done wrong—wrong against God and against you. 19 I have forfeited any right to be treated like your son, but I’m wondering if you’d treat me as one of your hired servants?’ ” 20 So he got up and returned to his father. The father looked off in the distance and saw the young man returning. He felt compassion for his son and ran out to him, enfolded him in an embrace, and kissed him. 21 The son said, “Father, I have done a terrible wrong in God’s sight and in your sight too. I have forfeited any right to be treated as your son. 22 But the father turned to his servants and said, “Quick! Bring the best robe we have and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and shoes on his feet. 23 Go get the fattest calf and butcher it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate 24 because my son was dead and is alive again. He was lost and has been found.” So they had this huge party. (Luke 15:17-24 The Voice) The father felt compassion for his wandering son, just as God, our Father, feels compassion for those of us who stray or are lost. When I think of this story, and the beautiful picture it presents for us it gives me such hope and peace. The father was watching and waiting for his son, and when he saw him, he was so very happy that he just had to celebrate. Father, thank You that You truly are a compassionate father. You forgive, and then celebrate when the lost are found, when the straying ones come home. I love You. AMEN Lord, You are my strength and my shield. I trust in You with all my heart. You lead me like a shepherd and carry me in Your arms. Psalm 28
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