Rev. Ray and Pat Amos
Life could not get much lower for him. Any dignity he once had was lost, and here he was eating scraps and smelling like a pig. Talk about bad decisions; this young man had made them. He had bought a few friends but they disappeared when the money was gone. He was at the point of crazy and had no idea what to do next. As another night brought darkness upon his ill-lit heart he dreamed of home.
Edwin Markham wrote, “He drew a circle that shut me out-Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout. But love and I had the wit to win: We drew a circle and took him in!” Many have known the pain of stepping outside a circle of friends, or family, and finding that it closed behind them.
With eastern light and rising warmth on his awakening face, a memory came to mind. There was a man he had once admired; a saint who was kind. His circle was large enough for anyone who came along, beggar or king; it didn’t matter; there was always room for one more. And then the young man said, “I will arise and go home to my Father.” (Luke 15:18)
The old hymn tells the rest of the story: “I’ve wandered far away from God, now I’m coming home; the paths of sin too long I’ve trod, Lord, I’m coming home… Open wide Thine arms of love, Lord, I’m coming home.”
To any who might be struggling with thoughts that you cannot come home to the loving arms of God. He has a circle big enough to include you. “If you will take one step toward the Savior, my friend, you will find his arms open wide.”
“There’s room at the cross for you
There’s room at the cross for you
Though millions have come, there’s still room for one
Yes there’s room at the cross for you.”
Grace and Peace, Rev Ray
