It took a long time for the son to walk back to the family farm. Remember, he had gone to a far country. (read Parts 1 and 2.) The rough road on his bare feet slowed him down. And he was hungry to the point of fainting . But getting home was his only hope of surviving, so he kept going.
He had lots of time to think about what he would say to his father when he got there. He knew his father had no obligation to help him – not after the way he had acted. By rights his father should turn him away, but he knew him to be a kind man, so he prepared this little speech:
“Father, I have sinned against Heaven and you. I am not worthy to be called your son. Will you allow me to work here as your hired servant?”
The son rehearsed his speech over and over on his slow walk home. And while he walked his father was still watching. Every morning his father looked down the road, hoping to see his son. At noon, and again before dark, he looked and prayed his boy would come home.
Then one afternoon the father looked and thought he saw far off a familiar figure on the road. His heart started to beat quickly, but then he thought, “That’s not my son. He is way too thin and he walks with his head down.”
But he kept watching.
“Wait,” he thought, “it looks like my son’s gait. But, no, this fellow is wearing nothing but rags. It’s not him.”
But he kept watching.
And as the figure drew nearer the father’s heart leapt with the joy of recognition.
“It’s my son!” Then he did what no dignified gentleman would do. Pulling up his robe he sprinted down the path to the gate shouting, “You’re home! You’re home!”
The son had barely made it through the gate when the impact of his father’s embrace almost knocked him over. He tried to start his speech, saying, “Father,I have sinned against Heaven and…..”
But his father wasn’t listening. He was kissing him and shouting instructions to the servants.
“Look, my son is home. Run to my closet and bring me my best robe. And bring some shoes with it.”
“And, you, go tell the cook to kill the fatted calf and make a big feast. We are going to celebrate!”
“And, you, go tell the neighbors my son is home and we are feasting. And then go hire that band we like.”
Finally the father took off his ring and put it on the finger of his son, which meant he was restored to the position of his father’s beloved child.
Together they walked back to the house, and the party began.
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Jesus told this story so we can know how God the Father feels about us. Whether you are on the road leaving, on the road heading back or safely home the Father loves you more than you guess, and your welcome party is waiting.
Scripture reference: Luke 15:11-24
Hope Walking 