The language of faith includes terms such as holy, lost, salvation, and eternal life. In response, this series examines characteristics of God in relation to these concepts. More specifically, this study looks at how a forgiving God calls me back into fellowship.
Key Passage: Luke 15.10-32
Luke 15 contains three parables about three lost things: a lost sheep, lost coin, and a lost son.
In the first two parables there is seeking and finding. However, in the third story the lost son had to “come to himself” (Luke 15.17).
Heaven rejoices whey I repent of my sins rather than stay in my self-righteousness. Luke 15.7 paraphrase
The prodigal pictures repentance and restoration of fellowship. The child who left home never ceased to be a son. Likewise, the lost sheep never stopped being a member of the flock.
That said, see Luke 19.10, because a forgiving God calls me back into fellowship.
Some Insights
How would you describe the younger son in the Luke 15 parable?
In short, he’s self-centered, undisciplined, reckless, and hard-headed. As a result, he was wasting his giftedness.
Unfortunately, he learned life lessons the hard way. However, he was honest enough to confess sin (see Luke 15.18, and 15.21). This younger son, I believe, pictures the “tax collectors and sinners” (Luke 15.1).
So then, who is the older son?
Well, he’s faithful, obedient, hardworking.
However, he’s also a bit shallow, unforgiving, and self-righteous. And, he has an inflated opinion of himself. From the audience, this older son pictures the “Pharisees and scribes” (Luke 15.2).
Apply These Precepts
I get out of fellowship with God and others by my own personal choice.
Likewise, I choose to return to close fellowship with the heavenly Father by coming to myself and confessing sin.
In the meantime, the Father doesn’t come bail me out!
That said, the father in the story was looking for and expecting the son to return. See Luke 15.20.
The father expected the prodigal to come to himself!
“Which of you” (Luke 15.4) has an implied answer, that is, “Wouldn’t you do the same?”
The implication of the prodigal story is less clear because two reactions – two choices, are possible.
Will I choose to be forgiving? And, will I choose to accept forgiveness? Thus, enjoy restoration with the Father?
Or, will I choose to be unforgiving, legalistic, and self-righteous?
Will I come to myself?
Therefore, choose life!
Therefore, choose to forgive and be forgiven!
I should follow the example of the prodigal’s father because a forgiving God calls me back into fellowship.
“The Lord make his face shine upon you…” Numbers 6.22-27
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