Verse of the Day for September 20

The son had a speech prepared. Verse 19 gives the end of it: make me as one of thy hired servants. He practised it on the road, probably many times.

But when he finally speaks in verse 21, the speech stops short. He says he has sinned. He says he is not worthy. The line about the hired servant never comes. Something in between interrupted him.

That something was his father, who saw him when he was yet a great way off. Nobody else on that road noticed a thin, ashamed figure walking home. The father did. He must have been watching.

Then the verbs pile up. Saw, had compassion, ran, fell on his neck, kissed. Running was not considered dignified for a man of his age. He did not care. He covered the distance so his son would not have to walk it alone.

Perhaps you feel no one notices your slow return to God. You are back at prayer, back at church, trying again in small ways, and nobody has said anything. The Father has seen you from a great way off. He has interrupted plenty of rehearsed speeches before, and he may yet interrupt yours.

Someone noticed you on the road before you reached the door.

You do not need to finish the speech for the welcome to begin.