The Road Devotional | Lent 2024

“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’  So he got up and went to his father. “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. “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ “But the father said to his servants, ‘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. 

In the second half of the story of the lost son, we see God as the father in the most glorious display of compassion and love. Culturally, running wasn’t something that was acceptable for the male patriarchs to do. So, even after being humiliated and disrespected by the son, the father runs out to meet him with open arms regardless of how others might have perceived him in that moment. God, too, eagerly awaits our return, ready to extend forgiveness and restoration.

Q. How can you extend compassion and forgiveness to those who have committed a wrong against you?

In the depths of his despair, the son comes to his senses and realizes how much abundance existed back home. Willing to take a lowly position and not expecting there to be a full reconciliation, he returns home (probably filled with a great amount of shame.)

Q. How have we fallen short of what God would want for our lives? Are we willing to admit that to ourselves and to God?

God, thank you for your boundless grace that welcomes us back when we turn to you in repentance. Help us to be aware of our need for your love and compassion, and may we extend that same grace to others. May our communities be marked by joyous celebrations of redemption and restoration.

Amen.