Your Summer Reading List June 19, 2026 Devotional

So he got up and went to his 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. “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.
Luke 15:20-24

No self-respecting man of this time and culture would hike up his robe and run in public. This act would bring shame on his family and in an honor/shame culture, your actions and reputation is all that you had. Still, the father runs to the son. The father knew he had to get to the son first, lest others in the community would. Others would be in full right to accuse the son of patricide which was punishable by death. The father does all that he can to get to the son, wrap him in his protective embrace, and re-establish his identity with the family ring.

This is what love is. God left the heavenly throne to run toward you; to surround you in a holy embrace, and to establish your identity as a beloved. God is the running father.

How do you feel about God running towards you?

Describe your identity.