Column: The Prodigal Son
The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–24)
God’s grace is boundless — He eagerly welcomes back repentant sinners, even when they have wandered far away. Every soul is precious to God, even yours, even mine. God’s love is bigger than any of our sin, it is bigger than any of our troubles. All we have to do is turn from our sin and turn to Him.
In the story of the prodigal son we see what God’s love looks like for sinners. We see the story of a younger brother who wishes to walk his own way. The younger son demands his inheritance early, bypassing the father’s death. This is legal but culturally bold — inheritance was for the future; this was a rejection of family life. We don’t know what the motive was, possibly envy, desire for independence, or impatience with waiting, but he did it anyway. In our lives we do the same thing. God offers us everything if we will obey Him, but like Adama and Eve in the garden we reject our Father, we only want what we want, we only want our own desires and wishes and don/t care what the Lord wants.
When the son leaves he squanders wealth on reckless living. When we are given our freedom we run after everything that is bad, everything that is wrong, everything that has temporary pleasure with no thought of what we were designed to be or do. All of a sudden famine hits after he has squandered all of the wealth he took from his father. He works as a hired hand, having to give up the good life to live in the filth and slime of the world, even feeding pigs — unthinkable for a Jew. In desperation he longs to eat the pods given to pigs — symbol of lowest status. Sin completely destroys us, it removes all that is good and drives us to lower and lower levels. We were made to judge angels and we end up living lower than the filth of the world and its all because of our disobedience to the will and love of God.
The son realizes his mistakes, and he resolves to return as a servant. Father sees him from afar, runs to meet him, embraces him, and orders a celebration. Restoration not just as a son, but as a cherished son, with honor and joy. When we turn from our sin and turn to Christ the Father runs to us and welcomes us home. When we abandon our rebellious ways and submit to His Word and His historic faith then He receives us with open arms. When we return He welcomes us.
What are our lessons from this today? God’s Unconditional Love – He is always ready to forgive and restore. The Joy of Repentance – Heaven rejoices over one sinner who repents. Self-Realization and Humility – True repentance begins with recognizing our need for God.
This whole story is a call to the lost, a call to return home. If you are lost, God’s love is open; if you are saved but distant, you can return home. If you will give up your stubborn hold on your independence and love of sin and give your heart to Him He will restore you to His family.
Let the Lord speak to your heart today — whether you are lost or wandering, you are precious to Him. Respond in repentance and restoration, just as the prodigal son did.
