Living a 220 life

The Prodigal Son (Part 3 of 4)

May 18, 2010 on 10:38 pm | In Lordship, fellowship | No Comments

In the first two posts of “The Prodigal Son” we looked at the two lost sons. Again, all of us fall into one of two catagories; either the younger son or the older son. There are certainly differing degrees for each, but we are all lost in one way or another. Since we are all lost in one way or another I believe it’s important to look at the Father in the story.

The father in the story represents our Heavenly Father, God. Much can be discerned about His nature from this story and I believe understanding Him better will change how we interact with Him. First, we must understand the historical context in which this image of the Father is being presented. The original hearers of the story understood a patriarichal society in which the father was to be reveared and respected. A child did not disrespect the father of the family and remain a member of the family. In essence, a child knew his/her place and it was subservient to the father who was the master of the family.

In this context the story begins with the younger son asking for his inheritance in Luke 15:12. In essence, the younger son lays all his cards on the table and tells the father that he only wants the material possessions and not a relationship with his father. Now this would be rude even in todays culture but it was unheard of then. The hearers would have expected the father to disown the son and potentially have him killed. This request by the younger son was incredibly disrespectful. BUT, the father in the story grants the request.

The granting of the request reveals our Heavenly Fathers willingness to give us all things out of His love for us. Though we act like rude and foolish children, our Father doesn’t disown us. He loves us enough to allow us the opportunity to make mistakes. He allows us the opportunity to get lost. Folks, this is important to understand. He doesn’t make us get lost, He allows us to get lost. One is hurtful, the other is loveing. If you’re lost now you must understand that you got there by your own doing. The Father IS NOT to blame! In fact, He was greatly disrespected by your choice to wander away yet still desires to find you. He is not the one to blame for your poor choices.

In verse 20 we find the Father running out to his wayward son come home. Understand, a dignified, respected father of the family would not run during this time. He would walk gracefully. And certainly, if a child who dishonored the family so greatly were to come back home the father would not be expected to accept the boy, let alone run to him. However, the picture of our Heavenly Father is one of Him running to us. He loves us despite our stupid mistakes. If you’re living away from the Father, please don’t fear returning to Him. You should expect your loving Father to come running and take you into His arms…no matter how dumb your mistakes were.

We see the Father in verse 28 coming out to the older son as well. The older son is upset about the party and remains outside. The Father comes out to get him as well. Again, the Father trades in His dignified position in order to meet His wayward son in an attempt to bring him back into community. If you’re currently living like an older son, please realize the Father has come out to you now. He’s come out of the party to meet you where you’re at. Stop trying to earn the Fathers love, accept His grace, and enter the party with Him. He loves you and has paid the price. All you need to do is focus on your relationship with Him, NOT on earning Him or His possessions.

Friends, the Father is magnificent and loves us despite our sin. No matter how lost you are; no matter which son you are, the Father is seeking you for a loving relationship with Him. Yes, the Father is a just God and should be respected above all things, but the Father is also a loving God who is to be loved above all things. Brothers and Sisters in the Lord, are you lost right now? Not sure? Are you currently basking in the presence of God daily? If not then you’re a lost son and don’t know it. The Father only wanted the two sons to be in communion with Him, therefore, if you’re not in constant communion with Him you’re lost. If you’re not in daily communion with God YOU’RE LOST! Turn back right now and beg the Father to enter His party. Friends, living with Him is the only life that will ever bring happiness and joy! AMEN!