“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

I’ve listened to a lot of sermons from my Dad, but when I read the passage above I can’t help but remember Dad preaching about the return of the younger son. He described the feeling of the father in the parable who saw his returning son what “he was still a long way off” and then he mentioned that even at a great distance he could pick out the gait of each of his sons. Long before he could see our features, he could identify us just by the way we walked.

So, how did the father respond when he saw the wayward one? He was filled with compassion and, instead of condemnation and an “I told you so” attitude, he greeted him with a bear hug and a kiss and a party.

‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate” (Luke 15: 22-24).

We often think of the relief and joy experienced by the younger son, but in each of the three parables, we see a picture of celebration by those who have found the lost. There is great “rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:10).

You may have someone you’re waiting for to come home. Keep believing and keep looking for the celebration.