Running Back to You: God’s Love
It’s been any interesting, busy couple weeks. The week before last week I was fortunate to go to the Kirk Franklin Reunion Tour with Kirk Franklin, The Clark Sisters, Marvin Sapp, Yolanda Adams, Fred Hammond, and a feature of Kiera Sheard-Kelly. Even with me being tired the next day, it was a blast. The singing was top-tier and the spirit of God was fully present. The day after the concert, I was blessed to attend a Crusade. The preacher that hosted the event shared a word about the prodigal son. The perspective was a wonderful way to show God’s love for us. God truly does love his people. We do not have to go searching for love because we have that in him, along with his peace.
Some weeks ago, I saw a video clip of Fred Hammond singing the song, Running Back to You. I literally cannot get this song out of my head. I’ve heard it before but since I saw that clip I keep meditating on the lyrics. Here’s a little of the lyrics so you understand why I’m so amazed by it, “How can you forgive me, when I've often gone astray, how can you think of me, when I do things my way, turning my back from you, the one who loved me first, having my own desires, renewing worldly thirst….” Then it goes on to say in the chorus: “And I am running back to you, I see you're standing there for me, your arms are open wide, And I don't have to cry no more, you’re standing there for me, and I am running back to you, why do I go away when I know I am no good, when I'm on my own…” Man, its amazing how much God loves us in spite of our faults. He’s still there waiting for you to come.
As I listen to this song, I can literally visualize the story of the prodigal son coming to life. I see the father welcoming the son home with open arms, just as the father is welcoming us home. Now I do not want you to get this twisted, this is not just for the person who has not yet, given their life to Christ, this is also for the person who considers themselves “saved.” We all fall short, we all do things we shouldn’t do. And before you get into that whole notion that your sin isn’t the same, know that God sees it all the same, sin is sin. We have to repent daily. The bible reminds us in Romans 3:23-24, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
While you may not have killed anyone or stolen from someone, you might have killed them with your words, sharp tongue or looks. The thought of a father that loves you regardless of your faults is almost overwhelming. And for me I get it, I feel I don’t deserve it, but that’s the beauty of God’s love, its not based on merit. He loves all of his children just the same, sin and all, he still and will always love you. This was the reason he made the decision to send his one and only son to die on the cross for us. Once you accept him, you’re in the family.
The song reminds us that God’s grace is unrelenting and unconditional. No matter how far we may stray or how lost we feel, He is always waiting, arms wide open, ready to welcome us back. Both the parable and the song remind us that this grace isn’t conditional or hesitant; it’s freely given, time and time again.
If you find yourself hesitant, feeling unworthy of God’s love, remember the prodigal son and the message in Running Back to You. Know that it’s never too late to turn around and come home. God is always there, standing with open arms, ready to embrace you, just as you are. In the Father’s house, you are never beyond forgiveness, never too far gone for grace. Run back to Him, and discover a love that will never let you go.