Luke 15:22-31

Recurrent Theme

Yahweh God is a prodigal father; he loves “recklessly.” 

The Story of the Lost Son shows that the Father patiently waited for his return. The Father knew at the very instant the son asked for his estate that it would be wasted. The Father knew that the estate spent far away from His house would be the cause for the son’s misery. The father had wisdom to know that the blessing the son felt entitled for, would eventually be destructive. However deep the son fell into son, however, far his pervasion carried him, the Father still anticipated his return. 

The Father’s house had distinct benefits that inspires a wandering soul to return. Therefore, the father longed for the return of his wayward son.

Three Thoughts about the Fathers Love as expressed at His house

1. The Father’s Love Sees us even when we are Far Off
   • He sees us even when we are far away in our sin. Nothing escapes him
   • However, He sees us with eyes of compassion. He understands what brokenness we carry. But he sees us with compassion knowing that he has already proffered mercy for us
   • He sees and longs to rescue us; however, he waits until we come to our senses, when we also say, I will arise and go to my father 
   • The Father’s eyesight is incredible. He sees all your frailties, all your struggles, all your disadvantages. He sees where you stumble.
   • This painful to the Father. He sees our debauchery but he waits only when we say, I will arise!
2. The Father’s Love Runs to Us
   • God’s love is action oriented. God longs for human beings to return to him
   • God does not just long for human beings return, but He runs towards broken humanity.
   • God already starts for the sinner, even before the sinner begins to return home. God does not come out with a slow and hesitating pace; His paces cover eternity towards us. Before the World was made, His Son was already set to be Crucified (Rev. 13:8). “The father ran; the father still runs towards you. “When he was yet a great way off, his father ran
   • His love is made manifest in how he sent Jesus Christ
   • His action is a Giant step towards the healing of broken humanity.
   • The Father embraces the sinner with His Kiss. His love is powerful to subdue the stench of a sinner.
   • The Love of Jesus is daring towards us despite what we do against him. It is the Love that goes to Golgotha, while pain wrecks his body, the sun is biting and the mobs are shouting. He still embraces You, He still dies for you. 
3. The Father Welcomes Heartily Those Who Return
   • When you return be assured that the Father will welcome you joyfully. The father meets every wayward son with kisses of affection. 
   • Despite their brokenness, every returnee receives a glorious life from the Father!
   • He demanded that the best Robe, a Ring and Sandals be given to the wayward son.
   • He who came in rags was given the best robe he never bought. He was given a robe of righteousness despite his character.
     
     Isa 61:10  I will greatly rejoice in the LORD; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness,  . . .
      
   • He was given a ring and sandals to signify that he was a free man. Slaves wore no rings and went barefooted.
   • For his waywardness, the father exchanged with full acceptance as a son. He gave a Ring of Sonship
   • For one who longed to eat the pods of swine, a party with fatted calf was prepared.
   • When You return, you will experience the infinite grace of God. The Grace that embrace, forgives, and honors the returning prodigal
   • There is Grace for the Chief of Sinners. It does not matter the depth of one’s waywardness, the Sacrifice of Jesus was costly enough to redeem such a one
   • Be assured that the Fathers character remains the same. He accepts you as you are, with all your mess. He never tires to love you.
   • Notice the Silence of the Father over the Confession of the Wayward Son. He receives the confession, for it is true, it is necessary. Know this, nothing can excuse the deeds, nothing can change the character of that past; but he does not dwell upon the painful past, he does not open up the wound afresh. 
   • He maintains a merciful silence! This is the way he deals with our Sin. He casts the sins behind His back. 
   • He does not spoil the party with stories from Pigsty!

Be reminded

At the Fathers House, there is a Party

Stories of the Lost

1. Joy in Heaven
2. Coming back Home
3. At the Fathers House