Could This Be You?

Today I want to take a look at what I consider to be one of the most common and probably more famous parables that Jesus told. It's the story of the lost son. More commonly referred to as the story of the prodigal son.

Let me recap the story…

As Jesus tells it a man has two sons. One of them is young and I may be reading into this but I think he's a little entitled and self centered. He wants his inheritance. Now. He does not want to wait until his father dies. He wants it now. And his dad gives it to him. He sells off a part of his property and gives it to the younger son who packs up and moves away. This leaves the older brother to pick up the extra work.

As you would expect the young son goes out and blows all his cash. Completely broke, homeless and hopeless he returns to his father and before he can really even beg him to take him back the father throws his arms around his young son and just loves on him. Throws a big party. This does not sit well with the older son. He has after all, been there the entire time. Doing all the extra work. Where was his party?

The dad tells him, you were here with me. You have what I have. No more, no less. But the younger brother, who was once as dead is now back. Alive.

I want to look at how this story really is my story. How this story could be anyone's story. And depending on where you are in life, the main character of the story is different. Most would say it's the son that leaves. But if you are a parent with grown children you can easily put yourself in the shoes of the father. Or if you are the jaded sibling you may identify with the second brother.

I am the young son. Taking what my father in heaven gave me and wasting it. Doing the things that I want to do. But I also cam back to Him and like the dad in this story my heavenly Father threw his arms around me and loved on me. Now I try to use what he gives me to help others, to spread the joy and the news of Jesus.

So. Who are you in this story? Are you still upset that your younger brother or sister has more? Are you the loving father ready to receive the lost? Or are you the young son? Squandering what has been given?

You only need to turn back to him. He is there, ready to receive. Arms wide open.

Press on. Fight the Good Fight. As a Soldier for Christ.