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Running Back to Open Arms
A few years back, I was dog-sitting for a friend. Her dog was adorable, and I loved her dearly—but she had a habit of running away. One evening, I returned home to find a hole in the fence, and she was gone.
You might expect me to be angry, but honestly, fear overshadowed any frustration. This little dog wasn’t exactly street-smart. My mind raced: what if she got hit by a car, was hungry, lost, or even picked up by animal control and euthanized?
I spent the night searching. I walked miles, calling her name, knocking on doors, even checking with animal control. They hadn’t seen her but promised to call if they did. I kept searching until 3 a.m., feeling discouraged when I noticed another lost-dog poster dated a month ago. If that dog hadn’t been found by now, would mine ever be?
Thankfully, animal control called the next morning. Someone had found her and kept her safe overnight. When I got to that person’s house, she was on a leash. The second she saw me, her tail wagged wildly. I called her name, and she bolted straight into my arms. I scolded her a little, she had worried me sick! But I couldn’t stay upset. Relief and joy quickly took over, and I hugged her tight. Clearly, she felt the same.
God feels the same way about us. He loves us deeply, and even when we wander off, He’s actively seeking our return. God says clearly in Ezekiel 34:16, “I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak.”
In Hosea 6:1, we’re reminded, “Come, and let us return to the Lord; for He has torn, but He will heal us; He has stricken, but He will bind us up.” It’s a beautiful invitation, no matter how far we’ve strayed.
Think about the prodigal son. Every day, his father looked to the horizon, waiting for his return. When his son finally appeared, the father ran toward him with open arms, welcoming him home without hesitation. That’s God’s heart toward us.
Luke 15:7 beautifully captures this joy: “I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.”
God’s not eager to punish; He longs to heal and restore. Psalm 30:5 reminds us, “For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”
If you’ve wandered away, know this: God’s waiting eagerly. Like my reunion with that little dog, He’s ready to run to you, embrace you, and welcome you back home. You don’t need to fear His anger; His mercy far outweighs any punishment. All He wants is your safe return into His loving arms.
We warmly welcome you to our upcoming Spring 2025 Evangelical Service and Spiritual Convocation (ESSC). You can also join us for the Spring 2025 ESSC via online streaming.
Thursday, April 17, 2025 6:50PM to 8:10PM
Friday and Saturday, April 18-19, 2025 9:00AM to 8:10PM
Sunday, April 20, 2025 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Please find our church location below:
4N550 Church Road
Bensenville, IL 60106
Google Maps
In the meantime, please feel free to join us for our regular Sabbath (Friday evening and Saturday) services online or in-person.
Friday Evening Service: 7:50PM – 9:00PM
Saturday Morning Service: 10:50AM – 12:00Noon
Saturday Afternoon Service: 1:30PM – 2:40PM
Email us at ilovejesus@tjc-chicago.org