I would like to give you my thoughts on the message of this song.

I first heard the song in 2001. I had been a worship minister for maybe two weeks, and my pastor David Stauffer asked for this song to be sung during a morning worship service. He asked a friend of mine named Craig Whiteside to sing it. I have to be honest, it was a great song, but the words never really pierced my heart. However two years later, it was when I was able to sing that song with Craig and two other friends that it really spoke to me.

David's sermon that morning was taken from the 15th chapter of Luke. It told about the prodigal son, who the bible says took his share of the wealth and left home. He squandered his money and ended up ashamed, alone and far away from home. He then remembered his father and all that he had left; the comfort, security and love. He decided to go back. He would have rather lived like one of his father's servants than to continue to live in his present state.

I'm sure on his way back home, his mind raced with questions. Is my father going to accept me? How is my brother going to treat me?

But Luke records that the prodigals' father, stood and was watching. He didn't force his son to leave. I am sure many nights, he wept for his son; his heart broken with memories of his two sons, playing, working and enjoying the closeness of family.

Luke 15:20- So 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.

21"The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.[a]'

22"But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. 24For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.

The reason this story speaks to me now (more than ever before) is because I am the prodigal son.

I enjoyed all the blessings of my heavenly Father. I had a great ministry and a great family. But I wandered away. See, I wandered away in my heart. When I finally reached the bottom, I had nothing left. I lost my ministry, family and hurt so many people.

On my way back "Home", my mind raced with questions. Will God REALLY forgive me? How are my brothers and sisters going to treat me? But even as I came, God...was standing and watching for me to come home.

God could've very easily acted like us, when someone has done us wrong. "You come and apologize to me, and then we'll talk." But, He didn't.

See, God Almighty, The Commander of all Heaven's armies, The Great I Am; threw His cloak back and ran out to meet me!

Before the words "I am sorry" left my mouth, He was already holding me. My tears of sorrow were wiped away by the hands that formed me. He forgave me and clothed me in His righteousness. I was dead, but thank God, I am alive in Christ!

I am restored.

When we were choosing and submitting songs for our new project, I submitted "When God Ran". I had to record it. I know God will use this song, to speak to "prodigals" everywhere. Not, because I sing it, but of the message. The message of repentance, compassion, forgiveness and restoration.

Are you where you need to be with God?  Have you strayed away? If so, God...is standing waiting for you to come back home.

It doesn't matter what you have done. He loves you and He's waiting.

How about taking that first step today?

Bryan can be contacted at vbryanhutson@hotmail.com

In 1993 Bryan joined “The Heartland Boys” until 1996 when he joined “The Kingsmen” as lead vocalist. In 1997 he was awarded “Favorite New Artist” by the readers of the "Singing News Magazine". He was nominated "Favorite Lead Vocalist" for 5 years

Bryan retired from the road in 2001 to become a Worship Minister at a dynamic church in West Virginia. He returned to southern gospel music when he joined "The Blackwood Gospel Quartet" in late 2005 as their lead singer. In early 2007 Bryan returned to “The Kingsmen” as the Baritone vocalist and Emcee.

Bryan's hobbies include surfing the internet, playing basketball and spending time with his son Jordan.

Bryan and his son Jordan reside in Asheville, North Carolina.

http://kingsmenquartet.com