The Prodigal Son

Question: The Prodigal son, is this you or possibly someone you might know, or has it been you at one time or other?  I don’t want to leave the girls out who could also be a prodigal daughter.  I have been guilty of this also, and what about the other brother in the story in the book of Luke, could this one be you?  I think, if we were honest, many of us may say we have walked in either one or the other brother’s shoes, or both of them at one time or another, so to speak.

In this story it seems like the prodigal son must not have been content in his situation, like many young people today.  It is kind of like the old saying, the grass looks greener on the other side of the fence, just to find out when they jump over, so to speak, in many cases they are so wrong.  Contentment is a hard attribute to possess, it seems like so many of us have a hard time with being content.  Me, I seem to never be content with moderation.  I can go cold turkey, stopping many things, so to speak, for instance eating sweets, but if I get started eating them there seems to be no moderation, I just keep eating more and more.

Let’s get back to the story, this prodigal the younger son just wanted out, so he could do his own thing.  It sounds to me like he had it made.  I know this is just a parable, but Jesus knew how to tell a story like no one else and he always got his point across.  This story is about two sinners, and this story truly related to the sinners and tax collectors, also the Pharisees and the Torah scholars who were listening to Jesus.  To my way of thinking, both of these brothers were prodigals.  The younger one left, taking his inheritance from his father and went partying and spending all he had on prostitutes and wild living and the older brother was full of anger, jealousy, and pride.  But I want you to notice the father’s attitude toward both these sons; he showed love, compassion, grace and pity along with forgiveness, just like God demonstrates to a repentant sinner.

You notice when the son came to his senses and realized how sinful he was, he repented and started back home where the father looked for him daily and when he finally saw his son coming, he ran to meet him.  And think of this, in that culture in order to run he would have had to pull up his garment and expose his legs which would have been a very shameful thing to do.  The father in this story must have loved his son so much that nothing was going to stop him from getting to his son, plus it was a time of rejoicing.

Now think of what God went through for us, providing a sacrifice for all who would repent, turn from their sins to him and put their trust in Him!!  And think of this, this sacrifice wasn’t just an animal this was God’s beloved Son Jesus. Now what does God’s word say in Luke 15:7, “I tell you, in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one repenting sinner than over the ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.”        

What rejoicing and joy took place that day.  Now think of this, the father, when he ran to his son, when he saw his son a long way off did this, he fell on his neck and kissed him then the son said to his father, “I have sinned against Heaven and in your presence I am no longer worthy to be your son.”  Then the father said to his slaves, “quick bring out the best robe and put it on him.  Put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet.  Bring the fatted calf and kill it!  Let’s celebrate with a feast.  For this son of mine was dead and has come back to life, he was lost and is found.”  Then they began to celebrate.

This was truly a joyful time, a time of celebrating and rejoicing and having a super time.  Now just think of this, God provided for all the human race, which at one time were all prodigals from the time Jesus walked the earth until the present time, praise his holy name.  

Now think of the older brother, what was his response, it sure wasn’t love.   Please read Luke 15:25-30, “Now his older son was out in the field. And as he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called out to one of the servants and began to ask what these things could be. The servant said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf because he got him back safe and sound.’ But the older son was angry and didn’t want to go in. So his father came outside and pleaded with him. But he answered and said to his father, ‘Look, so many years I’ve slaved away for you—not once did I ignore your order. Yet you’ve never given me a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came—the one who has squandered your wealth with prostitutes—for him you killed the fattened calf!”

You see how angry the older brother got, and what seemed to me a jealous rage because his pride was hurt!!  Again, what was the father’s response, please read verses 31 and 32, “Then the father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and everything that is mine is yours. But it was right to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead but has come back to life! He was lost, but is found.’”   

Just like God, the father in this story responded with love, mercy, compassion and grace.  And God reacts that way today when a sinner repents and turns away from their sins to God and confesses their sins.  So if this is you, the younger or older brother or someone who realizes that they need to get right with God you know what to do, ask the Lord to come in and to be your Lord and Savior and do what is already written, and if you are truly sincere I think you will be pleasantly surprised at what will happen.

Have a super day and may the good Lord bless each of you with His perfect peace, love and joy, and health and happiness!!