11.1.11

by Donna Fourtner

The Prodigal Son - how often have I read this story but never taken time to really dive into it and realize what depth there is in just this one story and how much the Lord wanted to teach me through it. In our community group we have been going through the book Prodigal God, by Timothy Keller. Through this book and re-reading Luke 15:11-32, I find myself relating with both the younger brother and the older brother. 

The number one thing that has stood out to me is that even though the younger son left his father, his dad never leaves. He’s there the entire time waiting for his son to come back and remember all the good his father had. How often do I do this in my own life? I know God’s promises and I know that his promises are GOOD. He says it clearly in Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." But even though I know God’s GOOD promises for me, and how much he has already blessed me with, I so easily forget that and start looking and focusing on what I “don’t have."

The younger son leaves his father’s household thinking that life away from his father would be better. Sometimes, I do the same. He was wrong, just as I am wrong when I don’t abide in my Heavenly Father. The beautiful thing is this: just as the father was waiting with open arms to welcome home his son, God does the same exact thing for us! His arms are open, waiting to hold me, to embrace me, comfort me in the hard times, to rejoice and dance with me in the good times. 

Not only can I relate to the younger son, but the message of the older one resonates as well. Sadly I let the sin of jealousy or bitterness grip me. I look at what I “don’t have” and I think to myself that I “deserve” it, just as the older brother was mad that he did not get a party thrown for him. As Billy Boyle said of this story on the retreat, “just the opposite of what ‘should be’ happening was happening.” I look around and start thinking to myself how “that’s not fair” or “what about me?” When in all actuality, God’s plan is perfect. Whatever is happening obviously should be happening. I have so many blessings right in front of me, and instead of focusing on those, I act like the older brother and focus on what I don’t have.

 
The exciting thing is this:  no matter what “son” we are, God still loves us! Timothy Keller said it well when he said, “God’s love and forgiveness can pardon and restore any and every kind of sin or wrongdoing. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you’ve done. It doesn’t matter if you’ve deliberately oppressed or even murdered people, or how much you’ve abused yourself. There is no evil that the father’s love cannot pardon and cover, there is no sin that is a match for his grace … Even though both sons are wrong, the father cares for them and invites them both back into his love and feast.”

Thank you Heavenly Father for never forsaking me, even when I doubt your perfect plan for me.