Bear Hugs

The Great Quarantine – Thanks to Covid-19 most of us have been social distancing and avoiding much of the personal contact we are used to.  One of the biggest things many people are missing is hugs.  That came home to me a few days ago when after 6 weeks I finally got to hug my grandkids.  It was life giving and it got me thinking.

I wonder if, when we get to heaven, one of the first things we will get to experience is a hug from Jesus.  I’m not talking about a polite little embrace, but rather, a full-on bear hug. For some of is it may be hard to think of that kind of interaction with our Lord.  But one of the most beloved parables in Scripture gives us some insight.

In Luke 15 we find the parable of the Prodigal Son. It is a beautiful picture of redemption, forgiveness and restoration. It is also a beautiful picture of the heart and passion of God for His children.  I often picture the father in this parable sitting on the front porch of his house looking down a long road that leads to the house. He does this day after day longing for the return of his son.  At last, the day comes.  He sees in the distance someone coming.  As the person gets closer the father realizes it is his long-awaited son and he is filled with exhilaration.

Look what happens next, because I think it is an example of the reception we will receive in heaven when we meet Jesus face to face. 

But while he was still in the distance, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. Luke 15:20

Dad runs to his son, embraces him and kisses him. Can you imagine the depth of emotion that filled that hug? I bet it lasted more than just a few seconds. There is something else here that we shouldn’t miss.  Both the father and the son were moved by that moment. We often talk about someday finally meeting Jesus face to face.  We hope and long for that.  But so does Jesus! He earnestly awaits the day when He can hug His children with an embrace that will require no other words than, “Well Done”.

That will be the greatest bear hug of all time!

Live this week on purpose,
Ron Klopfenstein