Prodigal's Father

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Feb. 10, 2014 Monday Message:

 

“Filled with love and compassion, the father ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. (Luke 15:20b NLT)

We all know the prodigal son. He demanded his share of the inheritance while his father was still alive, wasted it all on wild living, and then eventually returned home hoping to become a servant for his father.

The story is an analogy; the people are not real, and none of this actually happened. Jesus uses this illustration to teach us. In the story, the prodigal son represents mankind. Like the prodigal son, all of us have fallen short of ideal living. The father in the story represents Father-God.

When he heard the prodigal was returning, the father could have just stayed in his house, waiting for the son to come to him, to apologize and humble himself. But that’s not how it happened.

The father, who loved his son and showed compassion on him, didn’t just walk, but RAN to him, hugged him, kissed him, put new shoes on his bare feet, a ring on his finger, and a suitable robe on his back. “Kill the fatted calf and call the neighbors – it’s time for a celebration!”

The Good News is that when you’re far from God, if you change your direction and take a step towards God, He won’t just sit there waiting. God will come running after you, give you a hug, and say, “Welcome back home!” And the angels will say, “Let’s celebrate!” each time a sinner returns.

Norton Lawellin

Join us for worship - Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) meets every Sunday, at 10:30am, in the North end (gym) of the Oliver Ministry Building, 2647 Bloomington Ave., Minneapolis. This week Jesus clears the Temple, as Pastor Michael Pilla continues our study in Luke 19. See you at church!