Finding Home in the Father’s Embrace: Why We Keep Running Back to God
Every one of us has a bit of the prodigal son in us. We chase love, acceptance, and belonging in all the wrong places—relationships, achievements, money, even religion—only to come up empty. Jesus tells a story in Luke 15 that reminds us of something we forget far too often: the love we’re desperate for is already waiting for us in the Father’s embrace.
The Long Walk Home
Luke’s Gospel paints the scene:
“While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him…” (Luke 15:20)
The son didn’t return with dignity—he came home broken, ashamed, and rehearsing an apology. But before he could even finish, the father interrupted with joy, wrapping him in the best robe, placing a ring on his hand, and throwing a feast.
That’s the gospel: we come back empty, and God meets us with fullness.
KEZAZAH: The Ceremony of Shame
In Jesus’ day, there was an unwritten law for sons who squandered the family inheritance among Gentiles: the Kezazah ceremony. If a prodigal tried to return home, the village would meet him at the edge of town, break a clay jar at his feet, and declare, “You are cut off from your people.”
That’s what the younger son in the parable expected.
But the father runs—breaking all social convention—not just out of love, but to get to his son before the villagers could. His sprint was a rescue mission to shield his boy from shame.
What We Project Onto God
The prodigal son expected a helicopter parent—someone who would hover over him with control or conditions.
The elder brother saw a slave master—someone who valued performance over love.
Both missed the truth: God is neither. He’s the Father who runs toward us, not away from us.
Whatever Fills You Shapes You
Henri Nouwen wrote, “The father of the prodigal son is not concerned about himself. His children are his only concerns, to them he wants to give himself completely.”
The same is true for God. His love isn’t cautious or calculated—it’s powerful, self-giving, and overflowing.
We love because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). That means the more we are filled with His love, the more we become shaped by it.
The Journey Home Is the Life of Discipleship
Discipleship isn’t just learning about Jesus—it’s coming home to His love over and over.
We experience that love:
In the Temple – worshipping together
At the Table – sharing life in community
We express that love:
To God – with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30)
To People – serving, forgiving, embracing
This continual returning—enjoying His presence, experiencing His affection, resting in His embrace—is what transforms us into radiant disciples.
What This Means for You
You don’t have to earn your way back to God. You don’t have to clean yourself up first. You don’t have to fear His reaction.
If you’ve been running, stop. If you’ve been hiding, come home. The Father is already running toward you—not just to welcome you, but to protect you from the shame you fear.
Continue the Journey
At Experience Church, we want to equip you to love like Jesus, live like Jesus, and look like Jesus. Join us for worship, find a Table community, and discover the joy of living in the Father’s embrace.