“While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him.” Luke 15:20

This past Tuesday, our 4-month old puppy, Bash, wandered off our front porch. From that moment of sheer panic when I realized he was gone until 42 hours later when we received a phone call from a good citizen that took him in, I thought of nothing but getting him back. We put out alerts on every online outlet and App we could think of, visited 12 areas veterinarians, talked to neighbors, posted fliers, ordered postcards, and visited the shelter. We even left our porch light on with his blanket and a bowl of food in hopes that he might wander back home on his own. And through the nights, when everything was quiet, I would drive around the neighborhoods and call his name. I was a heartbroken mama with one goal — bringing home my baby.

On Thursday when he was finally found, everything changed. It was party time. We fed him a big meal and went out to buy new toys and treats to celebrate. We couldn’t help but dote and love on him because our heartbreak had been replaced by indescribable joy. Our prodigal puppy was home!

Now where have we heard this before?

No one understands the struggle with prodigals better than our heavenly Father. The story of the prodigal son in Luke 15 is our story and God’s. Jesus told it on behalf of all sinners who so desperately need to come home to their Creator and discover the warmth of a loving relationship with Him.

Jesus is God in the flesh seeing us in the distance and looking on us with compassion. He is a Father doing everything He can to bring us home. He is God running to us and throwing His arms around us. He is heaven’s kiss welcoming the repentant sinner home. If I was so overcome with happiness when Bash was found, imagine how much greater God’s celebration is when one of His lost children comes to Him.

God hasn’t just left the porch light on for us. He’s everywhere amongst us watching, waiting, and calling us home.