Why had he turned away from his dad, his mom, his siblings, and his friends? Years later he revealed some of the thoughts and feelings that had been churning around in his mind and heart. "Dad and Mom seemed too controlling and I believed they didn't appreciate me for who I really was. And it always seemed like my sisters and brothers were arguing among themselves and with me too. I felt like an unwanted prisoner and escape was my only solution."
He went on to explain how he felt and why leaving home made sense at the time. Nobody would miss him-especially his dad. They never seemed to be able to communicate on the same level. Raymond didn't understand his ways or beliefs. As a result a troubling silence often separated them from talking at all. Their relationship appeared to be beyond repair.
When he'd found a life in another place, with a different job, and other friends, Raymond eventually settled into his home. He had freedom to come and go as he pleased, without someone constantly looking over his shoulders. His life was his and he was the boss of it because he'd chosen to live it on his own terms. And these things gave him a measure of some type of peace.
As the months and years rolled by flashes of his past life surfaced in his mind. Often he tried to drown them in his addictions. Time and time again joyful moments bubbled up from within his memories. Family celebrations, conversations around the family dinner table, and outings with his dad. But the ache in his fragile heart grew bigger until nothing could drown out the pain of his loss.
As emptiness gnawed at his insides he became more and more discontented with his job, his friends, and his life. He was sick of his addictions and sick of his 'so called' home. He had no real home-a place where he felt cared for, loved, and special. And then the realization hit him like a bolt of lightning. He hadn't always been homeless and alone. Long ago, Raymond had belonged in that other world where his family and friends still lived.
Nobody had forced him to leave. He had made that decision all on his own. And they -especially his dad- had pleaded and argued with him not to go. Grief overwhelmed Raymond when he recalled those tearful words, "Please don't go. We can work this out. You don't have to leave. I want you to stay. I love you Son!" Those words had fallen on a hardened and prideful heart. Was it too late?
No. It wasn't for Raymond. His dad welcomed him back with forgiveness and love. And his family too. He was finally home where he belonged. What about you? You may not be estranged from your dad and family, but, are you a backslider or a prodigal child? If so, then you can go home again too! You already know the way. The cross is the bridge you have to return on. Go back to the foot of the cross where you first found Jesus' love and forgiveness. David, the murderer was cleansed of his sin ( read Psalm 51). Peter, the liar and denier was converted again. God is no respecter of persons. He is a merciful judge...and a good, good Father. Don't wait another moment-come back home.
Jesus Loves Sinners (but not the sin)
Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.
2And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
3And he spake this parable unto them, saying,
4What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
5And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
6And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
7I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
8Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?
9And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.
10Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
11And he said, A certain man had two sons:
12And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.
13And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
14And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.
15And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
16And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
17And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
19And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
20And 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.
21And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
22But 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:
23And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
24For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
Luke 15
