The running God

"So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his slaves, 'Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet; and bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found." Luke 15:20-24

When it has been three days since you have prayed...

When it has been a week since you opened your Bible...

When the worship has been hollow for months...

When the world has been home for years...

He still runs to us with open arms.

The God who rejoices with dancing when one sinner returns, is the same God who sprints to His child who has forgotten Him for a season. Just a flicker of a glance over our shoulder, and His loving pursuit takes off.

Sometimes I still don't understand grace.

It's usually when prayers lapse into business, and communion will be tomorrow. Or the next day.

I want to run back to Him. Instead I crawl. I slink into the throne room sideways, groveling at the door. I apologize. I excuse. I justify. I promise. I plead.

As if the God I expect to find on His throne is not the one who poured out His blood on Calvary. As if the God who heaped up grace on a wretch like me, might stop loving me at any moment. As if I might need to bring another sacrifice, more atonement, fuller mercy.

When we enter the throne room with prayers of repentance, He laughs with joy, jumps up, and runs  to embrace us. Grace means you can always turn your feet toward home.

Do you give up on relationship with Christ because you are unworthy? Indeed, we are! Turn your eyes upon Jesus, and be bowled over in His eager embrace.