The father ran...

Luke 15:20-24 "And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate."

The father not only ran to welcome his son, but he honored him by preparing a great feast and inviting the village to attend. The son...the rebellious son...the son who acted as if his father was dead...the son who ran away from responsibility and accountability.  Why would that boy be honored?

After realizing his sin against heaven and his father, the son returned home (even if it was as a servant). The father recognized the heart of his son by the action of the son. Action follows desire. In the same way, God is looking for a changed heart as evidenced by a changed life.  Before the boy could get his rehearsed confession out, the father interrupted the boy's confession, forgave him immediately and ordered the celebration!

But the father ran...

In the East, older men do not run; yet this father ran to meet his son. Why?
First, his love for him was that great.
Second, this was a reflection of his character.

But there is more. 

This boy brought disgrace to his family.  Before we point fingers...we are in the same boat.  Our sin (no matter how insignificant we think it is) brings disgrace to God, the testimony of Jesus, the testimony of the church and our personal testimonies.  This is why we must turn our ways, hearts and lives to the Lord.  According to Deuteronomy 21:18–21, the boy should have been stoned to death by the community for his behavior when he returned. According to Romans 6:23, we deserve death for our behavior.

Listen closely… If the community began stoning him (as they had every right and legal obligation), they would have also hit the father who was embracing him!

Jesus did the same for you and me on the cross!  We legally deserved death, but He embraced our sin and became the object of our punishment so we could be saved. We receive mercy through Him by not getting what we deserve - death.  We receive grace through Him by getting what we do not deserve - eternal life purchased by Jesus Christ.

Have you returned to the Father? Are you still in the "far country"? He will run to you if you turn to Him!