The God Who Runs
The God Who Runs
Based on Luke 15
Well, hey friends—welcome back! Today we’re kicking off a new series called “The God Who Runs.”
Every few years, I find myself returning to one of Jesus’ most powerful stories in Luke 15. Traditionally, it’s known as The Prodigal Son, but I want to look at it from a different angle: through the lens of the Father who runs.
A Story of Grace from Philip Yancey
Philip Yancey shares a powerful story in his book What’s So Amazing About Grace?
It’s about a teenage girl named Jenny from Traverse City, Michigan. After conflicts with her parents—especially her dad—she runs away to Detroit, convinced life would be more exciting there. For a while, she’s right. Parties, money, a new boyfriend—everything seems great.
But the “good life” doesn’t last. Soon Jenny finds herself sick, alone, and living on the streets. One night, in her brokenness, she decides: I just want to go home.
She calls her parents, leaves a shaky voicemail, and says:
“Mom, Dad, it’s me—Jenny. I’m coming home on a bus. I’ll be there tomorrow at midnight. If you’re not there, that’s okay. I’ll just stay on the bus until it hits Canada.”
On the ride home, she rehearses her apology: “Dad, I’m sorry. I was wrong. Can you forgive me?”
But when she steps off the bus, nothing could prepare her for what she sees—forty family members gathered with party hats, noisemakers, and a big homemade sign across the terminal wall that reads: “Welcome Home.”
Before she can launch into her speech, her father runs to her, hugs her, and says: “I’m so glad you’re home.”
The Father Who Runs in Luke 15
This story echoes the parable Jesus told in Luke 15.
The younger son demands his inheritance—essentially saying, “Dad, I want your stuff, not you.” He wastes it all and ends up feeding pigs, realizing they’re eating better than he is.
Most listeners judge him—what a waste. But the shock of Jesus’ story isn’t only the son’s recklessness. It’s the Father’s response.
First, the father grants the outrageous request. In that culture, this meant selling land—not just writing a check. Then, when the son returns, the father does something even more shocking: he runs to him.
Dignified patriarchs did not run. Yet this father does.
The Reckless Love of God
Here’s the twist: Jesus shows us that the real “prodigal” in the story isn’t just the son.
By definition, “prodigal” means recklessly extravagant or spendthrift. The son is prodigal in wasting his inheritance. But the father is prodigal too—in reckless love, reckless forgiveness, and reckless grace.
God is the Father who runs. He pours Himself out for us until nothing is left, covering our shame and restoring us as His children.
What This Means for Us
Maybe you’ve been like Jenny or the younger son. Maybe you’ve hit rock bottom, or you’re carrying shame, self-doubt, or failure.
Here’s the good news: God is already running toward you.
He’s not waiting with crossed arms or silent judgment. He’s ready with open arms, ready to restore, ready to celebrate.
If you’ve ever been welcomed home after failure, you know how unforgettable that moment is. That’s what God does for us.
Closing Prayer
God, thank You that You are the One who runs to us—even at our worst, even at our lowest. Thank You that Your love and grace never fail. Help us to live the same way, extending that kind of welcome to others. Amen.
👉 Next week, we’ll continue in Luke 15, looking at the elder brother. Read the passage and join us again as we discover more about the God who runs.
