Scenic Overlook #2 - Raining Kisses

Scenic overlooks are glimpses of scripture that open my eyes to something new, something not previously considered. I hope you will consider joining me to hear what I've discovered!

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Who doesn't love the story of the Prodigal Son?

It's definitely one of the most comforting stories if you are like me and ever wasted your one beautiful life by using your money, relationships, resources, and most importantly, your time unwisely. 

Here's the line in the story that means so much to me:

“And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. Luke 15:20 (NKJV)

 

Something stood out to me, this time around studying this passage: the part about the father kissing him.  The original grammar for the Greek word used,  kataphileō, means repeatedly kissing.

Without the Prodigal first saying he was at fault, the father ran (middle-eastern fathers in that day did not run!), grabbed his son and rained kisses on him.

This thought was so wondrous to me, I had to look up other translations of this scripture:

And he rose up and went to his own father. But while he was yet a long way off, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion, and ran, and fell upon his neck, and covered him with kisses. Luke 15:20 (DARBY)

 So he got up and came to his [own] father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with pity and tenderness [for him]; and he ran and embraced him and kissed him [fervently]. Luke 15:20 (AMPC)

 

Everyone who has ever sat in on my bible study classes knows I think the word fervently means with a "white-hot passion." This was no lame peck-on-the-cheek!

Think about it, the Prodigal had to be dirty and bedraggled - probably smelling like pigs - but none of that mattered to the father. He was over the moon with excitement to have his son back.

I get a glimpse of the passion and excitement the Father feels every time a Prodigal comes back Home, from reading this one verse of scripture from the famous story.  

Earlier in Luke 15, Jesus tells us this truth:

Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10 NKJV)

Now, I know not only angels, but God himself, rejoices when a Prodigal comes home!

What's your favorite part about this story?

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I'm linking this post with the community at #TellHisStory.