2 Samuel 15:10, 18:15, 18:33
“Then Absalom sent secret messengers throughout the tribes of Israel to say, ‘As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpets, then say, ‘Absalom is king’…And ten of Joab’s armor-bearers surrounded Absalom, struck him and killed him…The king was shaken.  He went up to the room over the gateway and wept.  As he went, he said:  ‘O my son Absalom!  My son, my son Absalom!  If only I had died instead of you—O Absalom, my son, my son!’”

Luke 15:11,17a, 20
 “Jesus continued, ‘There was a man who had two sons.  The younger one said to his father, ‘Give me my share of the estate’… When [the younger son] came to his senses, 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.’”

1 John 3:1a
“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!  And that is what we are!”

God, both Abba and King, you have promised us an inheritance far greater than earthly power or possessions.

In pride we have rebelled against your divine timing and have sought immediate status in the eyes of the world.  We have neglected your authority and have run from you in defiance.

Forgive us, your children, Lord.  Wait for us, reach for us, look lovingly upon us.  Receive us when we retrace our insurgent steps.

We claim this forgiveness in the name of your perfect Son, who bore the Father’s judgement so that we might be restored to the heart of our heavenly family.

Listen to ‘Come, Repenting Sinner, Come’ by Grace and Peace