Parables of Christ #5

Luke 15 conveys the most familiar parable ever told, “The Prodigal Son.”  This powerful parable tells of the rejoicing that God expresses over one sinner who repents.

In the parable Jesus paints a picture of a younger son who represents sinners who are without Christ.  This younger son squandered his father’s blessings upon himself just as all willful sinners do today.  They take God’s blessings of talents, abilities, and finances and distance themselves from anything to do with the heavenly Father.  Their desire is to gratify their flesh and to obtain as many of the world’s pleasures as possible.  They flee from the church, Bible reading and honest prayer to avoid God’s good order and discipline in their lives.

When the younger son came to his senses and repented, he planned a heartfelt speech. “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son;  make me like one of your hired men…” (Lk. 15:18)

This fruit of repentance brought forth the greatest of blessings, whole-hearted acceptance from the Father.  “But while he was still a long ways off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” (Luke 15: 20)

 This is an awesome image of God‘s love!  His are the eyes of mercy watching for the wayward son to return.  Well before anyone else in the family was even aware, the father, who continually watched, saw his son coming while he was still a long ways off.  He was filled with compassion and ran to his son.  This clearly pictures God’s readiness to receive those who are repentant and coming toward Him.

The son confessed his sins and before he could make the request to be hired on as a servant, the father interrupted and said, “…Quick!  Bring the best robe and put it on him.  Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.  Bring a fatted calf and kill it.  Let’s have a feast and celebrate.  For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.  So they began to celebrate.” (Luke 15: 22 - 24)

There is not one word of rebuke.  There was no bringing up the son’s past.  This shows that when God forgives the sins of truly repentant people, He remembers them no more.  Isaiah 43: 25 says, “I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions, for My own sake and remembers your sins no more.”

But this is not all.  There was rich and royal provision made  for the repentant son, far beyond what he could have expected.  God does great things for those who return and cast themselves upon His mercy.  The prodigal came home between fear and hope… the fear of being rejected and hope of being received.  The father was better to him than all his hopes.  His father not only received him, but gave him a ring that was a sign of a full grown son, with all rights pertaining to it.

God is looking afar off, longing for you to repent and come to Him.  He will not make you a hired man.  You will be His child.  He will forgive you, cleanse you and bring you into the place of fellowship with Him and usefulness in His Kingdom.

Quit trying to satisfy yourself by being your own god.  Receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord of your life.