Devotion

Welcome Back: The Heart of Our Loving 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." - Luke 15:20

One of the most beautiful times we see a "welcome back" in all of Scripture isn't found in a grand ceremony or formal declaration. It's found in the dust kicked up by an old man's sandals as he runs—undignified and breathless—toward his returning son. The father in Jesus' parable of the prodigal son shows us the heart of God when His children come home.

We've all been the prodigal at some point. Maybe we've wandered far from God deliberately, or perhaps we've simply drifted away through neglect, busyness, or doubt. The beautiful truth is that our Heavenly Father's response is always the same: He's watching, waiting, and ready to run toward us the moment we turn our faces toward home.

Notice that the father didn't wait for his son to reach the house, make a speech, or prove his worthiness. "While he was still a long way off"—while still covered in the filth of pig pens, still rehearsing his apology, still uncertain of his reception—the father was already moving toward him with open arms.

This same heart of welcome extends beyond our personal relationship with God. As we prepare to welcome our visitors from Eisugakkan, our sister school in Japan, we're called to embody this same spirit of hospitality. Like Abraham, who "entertained angels without knowing it" (Hebrews 13:2), we have the privilege of showing Christ's love to those who have travelled far from home.

Our Japanese guests are crossing an ocean to be with us. How beautiful that we can mirror our Father's heart by running toward them with open arms, welcoming them simply because they are precious to God and to us.

The apostle Peter experienced this kind of welcome after denying Jesus three times. On the beach in John 21, Jesus didn't lecture or condemn him. Instead, He gave Peter breakfast and a fresh start, asking simply, "Do you love me?" Three times—once for each denial—Jesus offered restoration and purpose.

Father, thank You that Your arms are always open, that You run toward me when I return to You. As we welcome our friends from Japan, help us show them the same unconditional love You show us. May our hospitality be a reflection of Your heart, and may both they and we be blessed by this time of fellowship across cultures. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Blessings!

Will Wallace

Principal