Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly, bring out a robe-the best one-and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate…Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” Luke 15: 21-24, 7, NRSV.
Gracious Father, please be our teacher as we study your holy Word. For Christ’s sake. Amen
Today we will look at one of the best known, and most loved stories in Scripture; the story known as, “The Prodigal Son.” No doubt it is easy to understand that this story represents, in a very limited manner, the love of God, for the sinner. I say limited, because in our finite sphere, our minds are not sufficiently developed to comprehend the height, and depth, and breadth, of the infinite love of God! This is one of those topics that we will be forever learning and yet never fully understanding. The song writer wrote:
“Could we with ink the ocean fill, and were the sky of parchment made; Were every stalk on earth a quill and every man a scribe by trade; To write the love of God above would drain the ocean dry; nor could the scroll contain the whole though stretched from sky to sky!
Refrain: O love of God, how rich and pure; How measureless and strong! It shall forevermore endure the saints and angels’ song.”
Like the prodigal son, we have all wandered far away from home, into the barren land of sin. Perhaps our thought is: if I can just escape the restrictions and confinement of home! Not realizing, that the very things we want to be rid of, were put in place for our protection (Isaiah 5: 5)! When the hedge is removed we are in peril of being “devoured.” And when the wall is broken down, we could easily be “trampled.”
But like the prodigal’s father, our heavenly Father sees us when we are still a far way from home (Luke 15: 20a). That is because He never loses sight of us (Psalm 139: 7-12) even when we leave the protection of His home. And when he sees us making our way home, He comes running toward us (Luke 15: 20b)! Notice how the father calls for “a robe-the best one” to cover his son’s shame, from having lived among the pigs! When our first parents sinned God also covered the shame of their nakedness with a coat of skins (Genesis 3: 20). That means an innocent animal had to die, to get its skin to cover humankind’s nakedness! That innocent Lamb, is the Father’s only begotten! The family ring is placed on our finger with all the rights of sons and daughters! Glory!Hallelujah! And sandals are placed upon our feet!
Then a great celebration takes place! Heavenly is lit up, and the angels strike their most vibrant chord; for a soul has passed from death to life! By God’s grace, may some soul say yes, to Jesus today, and cause joy in heaven!
If you do, please let me know that I may also rejoice with you, and send you some literature that will help you on your journey to the promised land!