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Just A Thought: Prodigal

April 9, 2017 0 comments

Posted in: Just a Thought

The prodigal son trudges up the path. His pig stink noticeable to passer-byers. He doesn't notice. He practices his speech: "Father - I have sinned.” Maybe he should just make a U-turn. After all, he really blew it and now he's so focused on penance that he fails to hear the sound of his father…running! Dad embraces the boy -"Bring a robe, ring, and sandals - Fire up the grill. It's time for a party!"
Big brother sulks. "No one ever gave me a party," He saddles his high horse, and rides off. But you knew that. You've read the parable. (Luke 15:11-32)
What happened next is interesting. The older brother rains on the forgiveness parade. If Dad won't exact justice - I will. "Nice robe there, little brother, better keep it clean. One spot and Dad will be on you." The younger boy waves him away, but the next time he sees his father, he quickly checks his robe for stains.
The ring was next - "Quite a piece of jewelry. Dad prefers that you wear it on the thumb." "The thumb? He didn't tell me that." "But it won't fit my thumb." "What's your goal - pleasing our father or your own personal comfort?" Big brother isn't finished. “If Dad sees you with loose laces, he'll take the sandals back." The ex-prodigal then leans over to snug the strings. As he does, he spots a smudge on his robe. Trying to rub it off, he realizes the ring is on a finger, not his thumb. That's when he hears his father's voice. "Hello, Son." There the boy sits, wearing a spotted robe, loose laces, and a misplaced ring. Overcome with fear, he reacts with a "Sorry, Dad" and turns and runs. Too many tasks.
Gift preservation begins to wear on the young man. He avoids the father he feels he can't please. He quits wearing the gifts he can't maintain. And he even begins longing for the simpler days of the pigpen. "No one hounded him." That's the rest of the story.
Listen to Galatians 1: 6-7: “I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who in His love and mercy called you to share the eternal life He gives through Christ. You are already following a different way that pretends to be the Good News but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who twist and change the truth concerning Christ.…”
Joy snatchers! The Father might let you in the gate, but you have to earn your place at the table. God makes the down payment on your redemption, but you pay the monthly installments. Heaven gives the boat, but you have to row - BUT your deeds don't save you. And your deeds don't keep you saved. Grace does. The next time big brother starts snarling say with Paul: "By the grace of God I am what I am."         (1 Corinthians 15:10) And rejoice with the Father who not only forgave you, He threw a barbecue to celebrate your homecoming. “For this my son was dead and is alive again,” his father said. “He was lost and is found.” (Luke 15:24)

Mercy gave the prodigal a second chance – grace gave him a feast.

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