Feb
19
Coming Home Again
Filed Under Devotional
My boss is a sports fan and he loves to use sports analogies when discussing business decisions, management problems, and various other things that come up. He knows I’m a sports fan, too, so he knows that this communication mechanism will work with me.
Yesterday, though, I read a sports story that seemed to be an analogy for a parable (which, of course, is just an analogy for a spiritual truth).
I read how Ken Griffey, Jr. was debating between returning to Seattle or going to play in Atlanta this coming season. Evidently, he had negotiated details and even taken physicals for both teams, but still wasn’t sure. The story goes that he talked to a bunch of his friends and family in trying to decide. Then, he got a call from Willie Mays. Mays told him that at the end of his career, his legacy would be with the Seattle Mariners. That tipped the scales for Griffey and he decided to come back where he started.
While the analogy is not a perfect match, it reminded me of the parable of the prodigal son. Griffey left Seattle looking for greener grass that he never really found. His years since leaving have been good, but not great. Suddenly, coming back to where he started doesn’t sound so bad. The truth is that the fans still love him and will be elated. He’ll receive a hero’s welcome.
This brings to mind my favorite part of the parable:
“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.” Luke 15:20
I love this because it’s clear that the father is waiting eagerly for his son’s return. He is not waiting to say “I told you so” and he’s not going to refuse his son entry. No, he runs to greet him!
Griffey may not be a prodigal and Seattle certainly isn’t God, but just reminding me of how much I love my God for receiving me this way is enough. God was watching and waiting for me every time I walked away from Him. He runs to greet me back when I repent.
Griffey is why I started following baseball, so there’s some nostalgia about returning to why I fell in love with the sport. I should never forget why I fell in love with Jesus. It’s worth remembering every day.
Guess what? You can come home again.