"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 15:17 Story of the Prodigal Son.
This father must have been standing at the window searching the road; or working outside but constantly searching the road looking for his son . . . it must have been a vigil for this father to search and search and search. And yet, he did not chase his son earlier. When the son left, the father let him go. He did not chase him down and beg him to think about his decision and return to the safety of his home. He did not try to reason with him. It doesn't say that he discussed it with him at all. He let him go. He gave him his freewill and gave him his inheritance willingly, then let him go. But he maintained a vigil all the while, searching the road for his son to return. And as soon as he saw his son - he RAN. He was filled with compassion. He knew. He knew that his son was broken. He knew that is what would bring him home. He knew what that son would go thru, but he did not stop him. He knew this is what he had to do.
Standing quietly and allowing a child to make a wrong decison. That would take an act of God. But this father knew that he had given his son all he had. What more could he do. If he talked him out of his decision, the son would only resent the constraint and guilt; and eventually he would go anyway.
Free will. Amazing gift. Amazing responsibility.
Unconditional love. Always waiting. Always searching. Ready to RUN.
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