“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them.” – John 6:44
The Parable of the Prodigal Son
In the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), we know that while he was still a long way off the father sees his son and runs to him. Throughout the time this son was living in his raucous lifestyle, we are to assume the father was waiting for the day his might return.
The part of the story that we often forget is that the father also leaves the party to go after his other son. The kingdom of God is like a man who had two sons. Our father initiates with both. God wants all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). He draws them all.
Do We Listen to God’s Invitation?
However, not everyone responds to His invitation. Either like the first response of the prodigal, they completely reject this invitation. Or, like the older son, they strive for an invitation they already have. Even some come humbled like the prodigal’s second response, but never look up to see that God has come running to them and have given them authority and significance just for being a son or daughter.
God is always initiating with us because He is always in love with us. The parable is not just representing salvation or recommitments, God is always drawing us. When we stop and pay attention, we can recognize it and grow in our relationship with Him.
God Uses Everything to Draw Us
God uses everything in our lives to move us closer to Him. That’s how we know God works out all things for our good (Romans 8:28). It’s not just about having a successful, comfortable life. He is working them all out for good, because He is using them to open your eyes to His love for you.
Don’t miss this… God adores you. Sit back and soak it in. Let Him speak to you. He wants to tell you He loves you. He celebrated the day you were born. He can’t help but smile when you look at Him. He is proud of you. His initiation is real. It is personal. It is available if you look and listen.
This topic came up in the last episode of the first season of The Chosen. If you haven't had a chance to watch this series yet, you can check it out at thechosen.tv.
Thank you for showing the parable of the prodigal son in a new light. I never thought of it as showing how God initiates His love for us.
I have a question. this is one I have had for a while now, and since I have seen this now in two of your articles, I figure you are the person I can ask. usually, I would take for word what other Christians would say about God being “head-over-heels inlove” with me or the words you said “adoring” me. but now, I want to find it in the Bible for myself. Where does everyone get that from? I can read the exact same Bible passages that they interpret that concept in, and I don’t see it. are they exaggerating? and if they aren’t, how can I see it that way too? I don’t want to miss out.
thank you again for all your amazing articles. I am really drawn to God through your writings.
Dear Rachel,
Thank you for this comment. As I thought about the reply, I felt that it would be too long for just a comment. I put together a reply for a blog post in about a week.
Again, thanks for your kind words.
Kevin
Thank you. I look forward to reading the blog post.
Dear Rachel,
Here is the post: God Passionately Loves You (http://prayer-coach.com/2015/01/31/god-passionately-loves/). Hope it helps. Let me know if it still leaves some questions.
Thanks,
Kevin