“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.”
Luke 15:20 (KJV)
In the story of the prodigal son, the father runs to meet his wayward son and kisses him. What a poignant metaphor for the way our heavenly Father receives His repentant children! That sinners such as we should enjoy the kiss of God! What makes it especially touching is that Jesus felt God’s slap so that we would experience God’s caress. Think on this. The Son of Man endured the wrath of God so that we might have His righteousness… He endured violence that we might share in His victory… He faced rejection that we be embraced in eternal fellowship with God. Psalm 85:9-10 says, “Surely his salvation is near those who fear him… Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other.” And it’s all because of Jesus.
“God promised to make the arrogant drink a foaming cup of His wrath, a reflection of God’s furious hatred of sin. But the one who drank this bitter, foaming cup of wrath was Jesus. It is beyond our omprehension — the perfect Adam, adored and loved by the Father, was also despised by the Father… consequently; we are promised that we will never bear the staggering weight of His fury. It has already been poured out on the perfect human being — the glorious Son.”*
We don’t deserve the favor of God. We are the ones who should have drunk the bitter, foaming cup of God’s hatred of sin. But Jesus took that cup before it ever reached our lips. We receive the kiss of heaven. Take a few moments to let this glorious fact sink in.
Father, Son and Holy Spirit, I am amazed that You sacrificed so much for sinners such as me. My heart is humbled by Your goodness and graciousness toward me and all those who put their trust in You.
