There is a wonderful feeling experienced by one who returns home, knowing that he was missed and is welcome back. Whether it’s a large banner, a yellow ribbon ’round the old Oak tree, or just a warm smile, the message is the same; and it’s necessary, for none of us want to return in an unwelcome atmosphere.
What a tremendous experience it must have been for the young son when he returned home to the warm welcome of his father (Luke 15) one can almost see the tears of joy rolling down his cheeks, and feel the relief that he must have felt at such a glorious welcome as this. Many lessons can be gleaned from the Saviour’s Parable of the Prodigal Son, but none can be more touching than that God’s wayward children can return home to a warm welcome.
God’s plea for his creatures to come home is heralded in the preaching of the gospel of his Son, Jesus the Christ (Mark 16:15-16). His “Welcome Home” banner is the cross on which his Son died.
Those who have returned know that it’s a feeling which words cannot describe; a good feeling that envelopes the entirety of your being. Those who haven’t returned as yet have available to them the experience of a lifetime. Don’t shun the opportunity. Hear the sweet voice of Jesus (Mat. 11:28-30), look at the cross, obey the gospel, and know that you’re “Welcome Home”.
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30
Those of you who have heard, obeyed, experienced the joy of God’s welcome, and then left again, you need to come to yourself and come home.
The same God awaits with the same welcome.
Written by Jim O'Connor.
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