Just Come Home

When I was in first or second grade, I decided to run away from home. I packed my little backpack, and was sitting at the end of the driveway with my Labrador Retriever Bonnie. I was mentally going through my checklist of stuff to bring, when I made the horrifying realization that I'm had forgotten to pack dog food. Moreover, that big dog could EAT! The whole backpack wasn't big enough to carry enough food for her. There was no way I could leave her behind, and I couldn't possibly bring her, so I decided to stay home. That big beautiful dog probably saved my life that day.

There are many places in the Bible where God addresses prodigals. Jesus famously spoke in Luke 15 of the prodigal son who blew his father's inheritance on wine and women. The boy returned in fear and trembling, only to find his father waiting with outstretched arms.

But perhaps my favorite such passage is in Jeremiah 31:20-22 in The Message. It starts out like this:

"Oh! Ephraim is my dear, dear son,

my child, in whom I take pleasure!

Every time I mention his name,

my heart bursts

with longing for him!

Everything in me cried out for him.

Softly and tenderly I cry for him."

GOD'S Decree.

I love this imagery. It reminds me of Song of Solomon 5:4-6. Her lover thrusts his hand through the door, trying to release the lock. Heart pounding, she dresses and goes to the door to let him, but despairs to find him gone.

I wrote a Song for the Prodigal, based on these passages. It goes like this:

Oh my Love, I am longing

For the day you return.

My heart bursts

When I hear your name.

Come back home.

Come back home.

I hear your voice when I'm dreaming.

Could it be that you're here?

I check the door,

But there's no one.

Come back home.

Come back home.

Set up the signposts

To mark your way home.

Get a good map.

Lace up your boots.

Hit the road.

My arms are outstretched

With mercy and love!

Come as you are.

Come in your need.

Just come Home.

The way out is the way back.

Time to just pick up your feet

And shoulder your pack and now,

See the signs?

It's time to go.

Come as you are.

Come in your need.

Just come home.

Perhaps you're a prodigal. Estranged from family, or estranged from God, and you're considering coming home. Will you even be accepted? Is it worth the pain and effort? Has too much time passed? Can you handle one more rejection?

It's New Year's Day. Perhaps I might suggest a New Year's Resolution for you?

Just Come Home