Never Too Late

‘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.”

Luke 15 vs 20 – 23

Have you ever wronged someone and then regretted it? Or had a misunderstanding that led to an irreconcilable relationship? Maybe let a close friend down in some shape or form and can’t see a way back?
Many of us have had the unfortunate experience of at least one of the above. And in some instances, we reached that point of no return, wherein we believed the ship of reparation had long departed.

The story of the prodigal son is often related to us in the context of an individual who, after squandering away his inheritance as a result of bad choices and riotous living, decided to return home in the hope that his father would forgive and allow him back. But did Jesus want us to focus on the material aspects of this story, or the father’s heart?

The underlying message of the prodigal son is that it is never too late to return to God’s loving arms.

Unfortunately, the challenge many of us have is that we tend to view God’s love through the same lenses of our own relationships. And by doing so, we inadvertently place a limitation on his love for us.

We all too often feel we’ve gone too far the other way; to the point where it’s too late to turn back. Such thoughts are not based on the truth of who God is.

God is Love.

Love is patient, love is kind…it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs….it always protects…always hopes, always perseveres.

1 Corinthians 13 vs 4-8

In other words, our God is forever hoping you return to him. He can’t remember your wrongdoing because he has no record of it. Despite what has happened and where you are, he continues to protect you, and his love for you forever perseveres.

No matter what you’ve done or how you feel, be in no doubt that your father in heaven will be more than glad to receive you.

It is never too late to return to God. Indeed, he never actually left you.

It is never too late to become who he created you to be.

It is never too late to find true fulfilment and happiness.

Why?

Because God loves you unconditionally, and always wants the very best for you.