The Prodigal

Everyone knows the story of the Prodigal Son. Read on to refresh your memory...

'And He [Jesus] said, "A man had two sons. 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. 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.
"Now when he had spent everything, a severe famine occurred in that country, and he began to be impoverished. 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. And he would have gladly filled his stomach with the pods that the swine were eating, and no one was giving anything to him.
"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! 'I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men.
"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. 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.'
"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; and bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; 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.
"Now his older son was in the field, and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. "And he summoned one of the servants and began inquiring what these things could be. "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.'
"But he became angry and was not willing to go in; and his father came out and began pleading with him. "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; but when this son of yours came, who has devoured your wealth with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him.'
"And he said to him, 'Son, you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours. '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.'" [Luke 15:11-32]

The prodigal son was a SON...this is a wonderful picture of a Christian who sinned after he was saved.

Everyone knows that sins are wiped out when we are reborn. But as a Christian, I have struggled with forgiveness as a mature Christian.

The Lord showed me in an instant that this well-known story, often told as an example of a sinner coming to God, was about a SON!!!

And how did the Father react? He was so excited...He put the best robe and the family ring of authority on him and threw him a great party!

The elder son? He got mad that his Father forgave his brother and left in a huff. The Father entreated him to celebrate with Him, but wasn't interested.

He was a son, too...what we might call today a judgmental or legalistic Christian. And he didn't like the Father lavishing grace onto the fallen one.

The Moral...
The moral of the story? There are three that I see.

First, if you've fallen as a Christian, forgiveness and grace belong as much to you as they do to the newly saved. God is your Father, and He loves you. He's standing at the gate, watching to see if He can catch a glimpse of you coming home. And when He does, He will run to meet you and restore you completely.

Because in His sight, you'll always be His son, His heir, created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. [Ephesians 4:24]

Second, if you're the elder brother, don't judge the prodigal. Love him and rejoice with your Father...it could be you tomorrow!

Third, if you're the prodigal, don't pay any attention to the elder brother. Love him, pray for him, receive him back when he slips even though he wasn't as kind to you.

As exciting as this story is for the new believer, how much more wonderful for the believer who has made mistakes, missed the mark and just plain sinned!

Based on I John 1:9, confess it...that's how you get rid of it, not when God finds out about it! Repent and run home! Run to your Father, Who is standing by the gate, waiting and watching.

Run home! To open arms and complete restoration! To Love and Light and Compassion and Forgiveness...run home!

Hallelujah!