 Scripture Reading: Luke 15:10-32 NASB95
[11] And He said, “A man had two sons. [12] The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate that falls to me.’ So he divided his wealth between them. [13] And not many days later, the younger son gathered everything together and went on a journey into a distant country, and there he squandered his estate with loose living. [14] Now when he had spent everything, a severe famine occurred in that country, and he began to be impoverished. [15] So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. [16] And he would have gladly filled his stomach with the pods that the swine were eating, and no one was giving anything to him. [17] But when he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger! [18] I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight; [19] I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men.”’ [20] So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. [21] And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ [22] But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet; [23] and bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; [24] for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’ And they began to celebrate. [25] “Now his older son was in the field, and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. [26] And he summoned one of the servants and began inquiring what these things could be. [27] And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has received him back safe and sound.’ [28] But he became angry and was not willing to go in; and his father came out and began pleading with him. [29] But he answered and said to his father, ‘Look! For so many years I have been serving you and I have never neglected a command of yours; and yet you have never given me a young goat, so that I might celebrate with my friends; [30] but when this son of yours came, who has devoured your wealth with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him.’ [31] And he said to him, ‘Son, you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours. [32] But we had to celebrate and rejoice, for this brother of yours was dead and has begun to live, and was lost and has been found.’” The parable of the prodigal son clearly reveals the heart of God towards people. There are a couple of things that we learn from this parable when it comes to the heart of God. Firstly, God continues to hope for the return of the lost son or daughter. Secondly, unless (by our own choices) we make separation from God inevitable, God does not give us what we deserve. When a person repents from their sin, God is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I certainly do not want what I deserve. That is why I have such a deep appreciation for God's grace. I deserve death and through the atoning work of Christ, I have received life. In the parable of the prodigal, this son lived life in the fast lane; he squandered a fortune; he lived a life that the Father would have despised. In spite of everything, the Father restored the prodigal with love and acceptance. This story should never be used as a license to sin, because all of us know the stories of the prodigals that never make the journey back home to their Father. Too many prodigals die in their sin; and often it was the life choices (the risky behavior) that lead to their own demise. We know that a man can gain the whole world and lose their soul. (There is no profit in that life choice) Heaven rejoices--the Church rejoices--the Father rejoices when the prodigal comes home! Questions to Consider:
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