I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.
Luke 15:18-20
Enter the story of the Younger Brother.
You’ve spit in your father’s face, left home and lived a failed life, and are now headed back.
You crest the hill, and your father’s house comes into view.
Do you believe he would run to you?
Or are you still practicing your speech?
Your speech to explain why your faith has been lukewarm lately, but it’s going to get better soon. To explain why you haven’t read your Bible or prayed in weeks, but you’ll start tonight. To explain why you haven’t yet dealt with the shameful stain of sin on your conscience, but you’ll confess tomorrow?
Whatever you think you need to say first, the good news is all your talk is useless, because he’s already running.
And as one writer put it, he’s so excited he forgot to put his shoes on.
Go in peace.