COMING HOME!
And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet 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 in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet.... (Luke 15:20-22)
The Theme for Juneteenth is "COME ON HOME WHERE IT ALL BEGAN." Although 2 and a half years late, the news finally reached persons in Galveston that slavery had been abolished. Many of us revisit the history that led to this significant event by returning to Galveston and participating in some of the planned activities.
Each of us has a history. Our lives are a continuous ebb and flow as we journey life's path. Every now and then, we may get off the beaten path and go astray. When that happens, we are fortunate that our Father in Heaven loves us enough to provide a way back to Him. We can always come home.
In the passage above, the prodigal son realized that there was no place like home. After riotous living he found himself feeding the swine to make ends meet. He began to think about his history. He decided to go back home and face the consequences. How shocked he must have been to be received by his father with so much compassion and forgiveness.
Most of us can relate to the prodigal son. We have made mistakes in our lives that we would rather not have happened. But the good news is that we have a Heavenly Father who loves us enough to allow us to come home as if nothing had ever happened. What a blessing that is. If you have been journeying off of the beaten path lately and realize that your life is out of order, don't hesitate to come home to the Lord. He is waiting for you with open arms! Hallelujah!
