Scripture Reading: Luke 15.11-32 '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

Good Evening. . . and Good Morning.

I am writing this in the evening, thinking of several of you specifically right now. I wish I could transport each of you to a distraction-free zone for oh, I don't know, how about 15 minutes? I would play this amazing song for you, and then tell you a story, trying with all my might to get the attention of your heart. Since I can't, I will take a different approach. . . let's assume that each of you is an actor, looking to get a part in the next production coming to town. The scripts have been let, and you are deciding what character you would like to play--well, maybe you should just decide which role best suits you, right now, in your life--let that determine it. 'Fair enough?

Now, I've known about this story, one told by Jesus, since I was a little girl, but its meaning has grown in its intensity, and its application has changed, depending on the season of my life. You see, at different times, I have played each role. . . The script tells this story:

It seems that a young son--the younger of two boys--decided he wanted to 'see the world' and all the world had to offer; so, he went to his father, and asked for his inheritance. His father granted his request, and the son soon departed. After squandering all he had on living scandalously, he pulled his head up, and looked around, taking stock. Doing so, he observed that the lowest-class citizens, even their pigs, had it better than him. He made a very wise decision to return home to his father, and beg for mercy enough to be just a servant in his home. . . yes, that is what he would do. He didn't make it all the way up to the old homestead, though---his father saw him from a distance, and ran to him. . . he threw his arms around him, and welcomed him home. He put a robe on him, a ring and fine sandals, and had a grand celebration. The older brother, who had toiled faithfully at home while his scoundrel brother was gadding about, was filled with self-righteous jealousy. 'All these years, Father, I have served you--you've never thrown me a party!' The tired old man just looked into his son's eyes, and said, 'Son, all I have is yours, but be glad with me--your brother has returned home! He was lost, but now he is found!'

Which role fits you? Honestly, I have been the wandering son who returned home to my Heavenly Father, asking to be taken in again. . . I have been the self-righteous older brother, wondering why somebody 'got off' so easily, when their sin had been so egregious-- And, then too--I have been the father--I have welcomed home my prodigal, bought him (Rainbow) sandals, a ring, and a robe--my gestures of 'welcome home, son--all that matters is that you are home now!'

Maybe it is not as close as all that for you. Having taught, led, and written Bible studies for more than 13 years now, I think of how many people I've talked to about God's mercy. They are of course glad that God's mercy is extended to them, but just cannot accept that God will forgive the murderer, the kidnapper, the______ the same way as He forgives the 'lesser' sinners--the same way? Yes, in response to a repentant heart, one that is sorry to the core, and has turned from the sin--God remembers their sin no more--as far as the east is from the west. That is the heart of the Father. . . and He is running to you!

The song I would play for you if I could right now? "Still Calls Me Son" Some of the words include: I drug His name through countless places, and I've known shame that no child of His should know. I've seen pain on broken faces, beyond all thought of hope. I was just too far from home, still I always wondered when I closed my eyes--after all I've done, could He still run to me? Would He kiss my face? Could He even look at me? After where I've been, should He take me back? For I would understand--I've disgraced Him, but it would be amazing if He still calls me son. With nothing left to bring him, I left my pride and turned my heart toward home. I saw my home on the horizon, and from a distance, I saw my Father watching for His own with forgiving eyes--after all I'd done, He just ran to me, then He kissed my face-- He would not let go of me. . . After all I'd been, He just welcomed me, I don't understand how he put his robe on me-- It was so amazing that He still calls me son. . . by John Waller, from his CD called, "The Blessing" by Reunion Records, 2007.

Luke 15 - three stories of something lost - something valued by someone - a sheep, a coin, a son. In all three, an all-out search was conducted to find the 'lost one'. When the 'lost one' was restored, there was great rejoicing. You will never go so far as to be out of he reach of the grace of God. . . oh, praise His name, my friends! His grace extended to you. . . extended to me. Wherever you find yourself today, you are but a breath away from realizing the grace of God, and walking in it. Never mind who you are right now. . . who would you like to be--the prodigal returning home? the merciful father, extending grace?

Remember the God who runs to embrace you~

Christine