Luke 15:20b, "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." We all have a story of being a prodigal son. Maybe you are in that story today. You have been wrong, far from God, in the pigpen of sin and demonic darkness. When we venture far from God, we would like to feed our self reliance with swine food. However, it doesn't work. Nothing satisfies when we look for our satisfaction outside Christ. Finally, at the end of the road we find that they would rather offer food to the swine to get them fat for sale rather than feeding the hungry servant. This is the nature of our sinful world. Then the son makes a decision in his volition, "I will arise and go to my Father." Congratulations son! In your darkness, that is all you need. Your mind may be darkened, yet you have a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26). A decision of the will in your darkness, can change everything. More than you think at the moment. Just don't quit. Turn around and walk the road back. You may feel weak, without much motivation. But wait... you are going to find out something you never imagined. The walk back seemed indefinite. Long period has passed. No voice, no guidance, seemingly deserted. Doubts are casting in the mind regarding acceptance from the Father. And then... we see someone running towards us... from far. The figure is still not clear. He seems like the Father. But, why is He running towards me? Why does He see a need to run? Many times I have asked this question. In this story told by Jesus, why did the Father run? The Holy Spirit showed me the answer recently. Firstly, the backsliding prodigal sons are often very weak in their spirit. Bible uses terms like bruised reed and smoking flax for such saints. Often they are surrounded by demonic projections and self pity. It could be very much possible that the prodigal might decide to return midway. There is always a temptation not to finish the course. But Jesus shows us the heart of God our Father in this story. Isaiah 30:18 tells us that God waits to be gracious towards us. God's heart is a heart of love, grace, mercy and compassion. Many Christians think that God's compassion will flow to them only when they are right. Notice in this verse that the son was still 'a great way off.' God loves the backslider. God loves the sinner. God loves the guilty. Do not let your troubles discourage you. Don't quit. Maybe you are slow on the road. But look up and see your Father running towards you. Secondly, contrary to what we often think, our falls cannot hinder the plan of God. Our falls are allowed in the Grand Plan. It will be ultimately alright. No matter how deep the depression, how serious the sin or how intense the attacks. Nothing can separate us from the love of God. In Luke 15:27, the son was safe and sound. I believe the prodigal son had grown in his knowledge of his Father. He would never forget the shadow of the dad's running from the distance, nor the sweat on the old face nor the kisses. The old man was so tired that he fell on the son's neck. The Father gave himself. This is what actually happened in this Universe. All humans were prodigal sons. The first man Adam led us into it. Father came running to meet him in the garden of Eden. And then, Jesus came gladly to die on the Cross to get us back to our real home. Romans 5:8 uses similar words, "While we were yet...". We were really afar off. Jesus brought us near to God. Lastly, what about the kisses of the Father? Notice, the kisses were on the neck. Neck is in the middle of the heart and the head. Often in spiritually weak condition, it is our mind which is under attack. In our heart, we want to obey and follow our God but mind is under attack. It is the love and protection of God that brings cleansing and victory. Unconditional love makes us secure, bold and obedient. When you are tempted, ponder over how secure you are because God loves you as you are. No force on this earth can change that reality. Even the deepest darkness, most severe tactics of the devil, nor even your worst decisions. Yes I mean it. This is biblical. Remember Job? The devil got permission to attack (1:11) all he had and he though he will get Job down forever. However, the less told secret is that God could have removed the hedge from Job's possessions but not from Job's heart. Job's heart was always God's. God acknowledged that Job did not sin with his mouth. You are eternally protected. Your heart belongs to God. Just look at the Father.... running towards you. PS - If you would like to enjoy a thought provoking spirituality quiz, then jump to our fun quiz page. You may also watch our YouTube videos. What about learning about life after death?