Topic: The Long Road Home

A student who left home for the city, chasing dreams that didn't work out, was too ashamed to call for two years. She imagined her mother's disappointment over and over. When she finally went home, unannounced, her mother saw her from the road and ran to meet her — before a single word was said.

In Jesus' story, a son takes his inheritance early, wastes it all, and comes home rehearsing an apology, expecting to be treated like a servant. But his father doesn't even let him finish talking. He was already watching the road, waiting.

That's the picture of how God feels about anyone thinking about coming back to Him. Turning back to God isn't about proving you're sorry enough first. It's simply turning around and starting to walk home. He runs to meet you the rest of the way.