The Very Best Hug

"Weeping with joy, he embraced Benjamin, and Benjamin did the same."  Genesis 45:14

I love a really good hug. Don't you?

You know the kind I'm talking about . . . One of those get in there and squeeze the stuffin' out of ya hugs.  One where each of you holds on to the other in a melting into you kinda way.  It's strong and soft all at the same time.  The kind that lingers and says, "I love you more than warm chocolate chip cookies with milk, and I'm never gonna stop."

Something about them communicates more than words could ever say.  They seem to have mutual love, respect, admiration and joy baked right in the middle.

Those are the best hugs.  

I experienced some best hugs this past summer at our family reunion in Sunriver.  I love these family members so much I didn't want to let go.  And, I didn't want to leave them, either.  It had been so long since I had seen them, and I knew it would probably be a long time until I saw them again.

But, there is an even better hug--a better than best hug.  It's the very best hug.  It's the one the Holy Bible talks about.

Have you experienced this hug?  Luke 15:11-32 talks about it in the Parable of the Prodigal son.

You and I have both wandered away from God's truth at some point in our lives and been prodigals.  This story is a beautiful picture of the love, joy, forgiveness and celebration our Heavenly Father has for us when we return to Him.

Notice what Luke 15:20 says.  “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him."

The Father ran, hugged and kissed his son, and I'm guessin' that hug communicated a love you and I are still coming to know.  It is a love we can never be separated from (Romans 8:38).

I'm not sure how you picture God, but I sometimes envision myself climbing into the lap of Jesus for His warm embrace, that very best hug.  It is a picture of our Father's protection and coziness as He holds His beloved child securely.

1 John 5:18 comforts us with these words, "We know that God’s children do not make a practice of sinning, for God’s Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot touch them."  I don't know about you, but I can't possibly think of a better hug than that.

Have you had a good hug lately?

My friend, that's far too long.

May you feel the embrace of your loving Heavenly Father today, and may it be the best hug you've ever had in your life.

Goodnight, Runners.