The prodigal son (4) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

When he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. And the son said to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.
Luke 15:20.21

The prodigal son (4)
The prodigal son was on his way back to his father. He intended admitting his sin and asking his father to make him one of his hired servants. But when he was still a long way off, his father ran out to meet him, joyfully threw his arms round him and kissed him as a father would. The son confessed his guilt, but didn't get as far as requesting his father to let him serve as a servant. In his father's arms that was not possible. That is just how God lovingly receives all who return to Him.

God sees the change in the sinner's heart.

He is full of compassion and shows mercy and joy at the change of attitude and the return.

He comes out to welcome us, making it so much easier for us to come to Him.

He embraces us, paying no attention to the dreadful state in which we approach Him. He receives us as we are without any reproach.

The kiss given to those who return shows clearly that we are acceptable - not as servants, but as sons.

What inconceivable love! When we turn to God in repentance, He comes out to us in Jesus Christ, whom He sent. We sense the relief to be able to confess our sins and admit that we are unworthy of such grace and can claim no merit of our own. He receives us and grants us more than we could ever expect!

(to be continued on Tuesday)

Today's reading: Jeremiah 49:23-39 · Romans 14:1-12