The parable of the Prodigal Son has always been a favorite
because it shows the love and the heart of a God who's arms are wide open, but
it also speaks to His generosity & the misconceptions about His kingship.
We all know how the story ends when the other son is jealous...
Luke 15:28-31 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.
Most times we see this struggle between those who "serve" The Lord and "adore" Him. (The Mary vs. Martha syndrome) There is a constant misconception of The Lord's ruling hand. There is no doubt that there should be a certain amount of fear & respect for an all-powerful King. The Creator of all can also destroy! But the constant theme, not only with Jesus, but throughout the whole Bible is His character as Father. And again, we all know this, but it seems so hard for so many Christians to fully swallow.
But this parable is the perfect representation of His heart.
1. When the son decided he wanted to leave, there was no arguing... He was released.
2. When the son returned, his father rejoiced. There was no "I told you so" or "you can come back under these conditions..." He was restored into sonship.
3. When the other son became indignant, the father pleaded with him...
4. The father explained that ALL HE HAS BELONGS TO HIM, he only needed to ask! Saying basically "you're not a servant, you're My son!"
(This misconception also points to the parable of the talents in that the one servant thought him to be a hard man, etc)
Firstly, who are we? SONS! No matter what...
Secondly, we're sons of a very rich King who's provision is unending.
Thirdly, He loves His children the same but His favor is only recognized when it's accepted.
When we fully recognize our sonship with The Father, there is no lack of provision, no reason for jealously, and a desire to "serve" from a new perspective of training and partnership rather than obligation.
We all know how the story ends when the other son is jealous...
Luke 15:28-31 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.
Most times we see this struggle between those who "serve" The Lord and "adore" Him. (The Mary vs. Martha syndrome) There is a constant misconception of The Lord's ruling hand. There is no doubt that there should be a certain amount of fear & respect for an all-powerful King. The Creator of all can also destroy! But the constant theme, not only with Jesus, but throughout the whole Bible is His character as Father. And again, we all know this, but it seems so hard for so many Christians to fully swallow.
But this parable is the perfect representation of His heart.
1. When the son decided he wanted to leave, there was no arguing... He was released.
2. When the son returned, his father rejoiced. There was no "I told you so" or "you can come back under these conditions..." He was restored into sonship.
3. When the other son became indignant, the father pleaded with him...
4. The father explained that ALL HE HAS BELONGS TO HIM, he only needed to ask! Saying basically "you're not a servant, you're My son!"
(This misconception also points to the parable of the talents in that the one servant thought him to be a hard man, etc)
Firstly, who are we? SONS! No matter what...
Secondly, we're sons of a very rich King who's provision is unending.
Thirdly, He loves His children the same but His favor is only recognized when it's accepted.
When we fully recognize our sonship with The Father, there is no lack of provision, no reason for jealously, and a desire to "serve" from a new perspective of training and partnership rather than obligation.
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