Coming Home -Waiting Watching Father

Coming Home- Waiting Watching Father

Luke 15:20-25; Isaiah 53:4-6; John 3:16-17; Colossians 2:13-14; Psalm 32:1-2

Why don’t people quickly return when they find themselves “away from home?” A person may want to return, but are reluctant? They are honest concerns. Will I face an angry or forgiving God? Will I spend the rest of my life suffering the consequences of my sin? Am I forever condemned to second -class-citizen status in God’s kingdom? Preacher of the past A. W. Tozer writes, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us. We need to form in our hearts and minds that there is Father who is waiting, watching and welcoming.

A Waiting Father Luke 15:20a

Jesus gives a direct opposite picture of God’s love for sinners and tax collectors! With three parables Jesus is teaching and urging the Pharisee to acknowledge God’s love for the lost. The Lost Sheep: We embrace a lost animal. (15:5) The Lost Coin She takes the house apart .(15:9) “In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (15:10) The Lost son: Chose to leave. Chose a lifestyle. Crisis came. Chose to go home.

Watching Father Luke 15:20b-21 The father’s choice as well he saw his son.

Compassion for his son: gut reactionToday we would say we are moved in our innermost being.  Came running to the son: the son walked the father ran when he realized immediately it was his son! no “meeting half way.” Completely embraced the son: Covering him with kisses of acceptance!

A Welcoming Father Luke 15:22-23

Cut off the son’s confession. Call forproper dress. Best robe means honor, signet ring means authority power of attorney and sandals freedom to move. Celebrate with a feast. Conclusion: son which was dead is now alive lost but found.

That’s what Our Heavenly father does because Jesus paid for our sin. Colossians 2:13-14 Dead in sin Made alive in Christ. Forgiven of all sin, Canceled Nailing sin to the cross. God’s forgiveness is total not partial. One of the last word Jesus spoke on the cross was “It is finished!” Our sin debt is canceled out, wiped out, paid in full. How does this feel Psalm 32:1-2 In a court proceeding when the judge rules “with prejudice” it means never again would the court reexamine the case. The love of God can defeat the foolishness of man, the seduction of the tempting voices, and even the deliberate rebellion of the heart. Don’t miss the waiting, watching and welcoming Heavenly Father as He is ready to receive those who live in a far country. Come Home We welcome sinners as Jesus followers to all those who chose to Come Home to Faith.