#BeLikeJesus - Week One - Day Two

By Central Women

Day 2: “Being Welcomed Back”

As a child, I always wanted to go my own way and sometimes that way would get me in trouble, because I would get lost, but that did not stop me.

One day I went to the store with my mom and I remember feeling that she was taking forever going through each aisle looking for whatever she was looking for.

Therefore, as a little girl, I thought to myself I have been to this store before and I know my way around it so I am going to go my own way around the store. Well, it did not take long for me to get lost. I then had to make my way back to my mother.

I remember going through each aisle in a panic because I could not find her. Right when I began to cry, I saw her! She was at the front of the store, waiting for me. As I was walking to her, she ran towards me. I cannot explain to you the feeling that I felt when I was finally in her arms again.

Finding your way back home is always comforting but being welcomed back is a relief.

When we lose your way, it can cause us to be in a panic. This feeling is not a great feeling to experience as a little girl or a grown adult.

The Bible talks about this too. In Luke 15 Jesus tells a story about a boy who left home to love the high life and when life got the better of him, he went back home thinking he would not be welcomed back.

17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 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.

21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So, they began to celebrate.” (Luke 15:17-24)

The son lost his way but when he went home, he was welcomed back. There was comfort in going home, but relief in being welcomed back.

At times, we might feel like our way is the best way to go, but in the end we are going to get lost. No matter how far we get lost, when we find our way back home, Jesus will be there to welcome us back. Running towards us.

Jesus is like the Father in the story. Waiting for our return to welcome us back home. When we are welcomed back in, He celebrates it.

• How does it make you feel to know that Jesus welcomes you back if you have lost your way?

Dear Jesus,

Help us find our way back to you when we go our own way. Thank you for welcoming us back into your arms when we shy away from you. Let us not believe that we are not worthy to welcomed into your kingdom but rejoice in the fact that you died for us so that we can live in You. Guide us and help us stay at home in You.