Gospel

The Prodigal Us

by Roland Crim
04/13/17
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In Luke 15:11-32 we read the beautiful parable of the prodigal son. This is a very familiar parable of the Lord, known by Christians, and even by many unbelievers.

Just as the father of the prodigal son does not deter his son from setting out on his own, our Heavenly Father does not keep us from heading off on our endeavors. God does not wish to control us. God wants us to belong to Him of our choice to do so and not because He demands it of us. So we venture off into the world, often doing what is foolish in the eyes of God. We all start as prodigal sons and daughters. It is only in coming to Christ that we leave that of this world and cling to the things of God.

God knows all that we do during our prodigal stage. Nothing goes without His notice. He lovingly waits, waiting for us to return to Him. He does not outright come and rescue us from our foolish ways.

The famine that broke out which impacted the prodigal son is like us when we are lost, not receiving the spiritual nourishment which our souls require. Part of our discovery in our lost stage is realizing we are missing the spiritual nourishment we so desperately need.

When we finally reach the point that we realize that we must have Christ in our life for it to have true meaning, we are like the prodigal son who finally came to his senses and realized that he must return to his father’s house. He returns with a repentant heart, stating that he is no longer worthy to be called his son. We are not worthy to be called children of God on our own merit.

Just as the father met his prodigal son and hugged him and told the servant to get a robe for him, to put a ring on his finger, and to kill the fatted calf for a celebration feast, likewise, when we come to Christ, He clothes us with salvation and redemption. We are freed from sin. We have eternal life, and the Holy Trinity indwell us.

The older brother did not want to go into the celebration. The father needed to come out to speak with the elder son. Are we sometimes like the elder son? Maybe we are envious that others are blessed with some gifts which are not given to us. Do not be envious. Christ makes sure you are provided with the proper gifts to carry out His will for your life. Trust in Christ and go into the celebration feast!