Boldness to Witness

I was hungry. Lost. Out of options. So, I decided to go, go and try. I knew I didn’t deserve his help. I was not sure I even had the courage to ask. I knew I could not look him in the eyes. I practiced what I would say to him on the long, hungry walk. I would tell him I was unworthy…unworthy to be called his child. Then I would ask to be his servant. At least if I was his servant, I would have food to eat and somewhere to live.

After many days, I found myself in familiar country. Soon, I saw his place out in the distance. And then, then I thought I saw someone coming up the path. The sun was setting behind them, so I couldn’t tell who it was. They were running… Maybe this wasn’t a good idea. I felt my stomach tighten and wondered if I should run. But wait, there was something familiar in the silhouette. It was my father, and he was running to me. Before I could say anything, he put forth both of his hands and grabbed my arms and pulled me close. He kissed me affectionately on my cheeks and then pressed my face to his chest. I think he was kissing my hair.

Through the emotion tightening my throat I tried to say my speech, but he interrupted me, calling to the servants and giving them directions. He guided me back to the house. Servants came and put his best robe on me. As it wrapped around me, I felt wrapped in his love. I began to relax for the first time since I had left so many years ago. Then they put a ring on my hand and shoes on my feet. And then he even told them to prepare to celebrate because I had come home.

I was home. Everyone knew I did not deserve his kindness or his love, nevertheless I was loved. Surrounded in love. He had watched for me. He ran to me. He embraced me. I was loved. • Jeri Howe

• This story is based on a parable Jesus told in Luke 15:11-32. Many people focus on the son in this passage, but try reading it focusing on the father and his love. What do you notice?

• Now read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. How does the picture of the Father’s love in Luke 15:11-31 compare with Paul’s teaching on love? What aspects of love in these two passages make you curious? Which stir longing in you?

• Do you want to come home? You can right now. You can come home to God the Father who made you. Jesus has made it possible through dying on the cross and raising from the dead. If you put your trust in Jesus, the good news is that you can be adopted as God’s child—today. Simply pray and tell Him you want to come home and receive His love. (See our “Know Jesus” page for more.)

• If you’ve put your trust in Jesus, you can ask to experience God’s pursuing, embracing, never-failing love anytime. We can ask for this with confidence because Romans 5:5 says, “Hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.†If you’re ready, take a moment to pray and ask God to reveal His love for you.

“So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.†Luke 15:20 (NIV)

Read Verses:

Acts.1.6-Acts.1.8|Acts.4.5-Acts.4.14|Luke.12.11-Luke.12.12