Everyone sems to be familiar with the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15.   But recently I came across a copy of a message by Charles Spurgeon that he entitled, “Prodigal Love for the Prodigal Son.” He preached that message in March of 1891, but it sure did give me some new insights into this old tale.

Spurgeon wanted to convey the “importance of the overflowing love of God toward the returning sinner.” And so, he started by commenting on a critical phrase in Luke 15:20. My NIV Bible renders this verse: “So he got up and went to his father. 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.”

Apparently that last phrase can be translated “kissed him earnestly,” “kissed him eagerly,” or “kissed him often.” But Spurgeon liked the rendering, “and kissed him much.”

Just think about that thought. The Prodigal Son’s dad loved him so much that he routinely stood outside scanning the horizon for his boy. He wanted him to come home so badly and when he did, the father’s reaction was incredible. HE KISSED HIM MUCH!

Rebellion on any level puts us at odds with our Heavenly Father. It doesn’t matter the nature of our sin; it all builds a wall between us and our loving Savior. But He too waits patiently hoping we will come to our senses and “head home.”

And when we do “head home,” it is an extraordinary event. It begins when we recognize our sin and the gulf that it builds between us and our Father. Then, as we repent, and turn from our “pet” sin (the one that so easily entangles us – Heb. 12:1), He starts running our way.

He embraces us. Maybe he whispers in our ear and calls us by a sweet nick name that He has for us. He hugs us hard, and then He KISSES US MUCH!

So, if you find yourself struggling with some sin and are having a tough week (or season of life), I am suggesting that you review your heart and reject the sin that has crept in. Just drop it. Move on. Don’t let the enemy convince you that you are too far gone. You have NOT!

Jesus is scanning the horizon around your neighborhood. He can’t wait to hold you. So, let’s repent. Let’s reject our sin and turn towards our loving Heaven Father.

And get ready, I promise that He will KISS each of us MUCH!