And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
And he arose, and came to his father. Many a one says, "I will arise," yet sits still. But this is the story of a real conversion, in which purpose is presently tuned into practice.
But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and ran. O yes! when the face is turned homeward, though as yet far, far away, our Father recognizes his own child in us, and bounds to meet us-not saying, 'Let him come to me and sue for pardon first,' but Himself taking the first step.
And fell on his neck, and kissed him. What!? In all his filth? Yes! In all his rags? Yes! In all his haggard, shattered wretchedness? Yes! "Our Father who art in heaven," is this Thy portraiture? It is even so! And because it is so. I wonder not that such incomparable teaching hath made the world new. "Is Ephraim my dear son? Is he a pleasant child? For since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the Lord" (Jeremiah 31:20).