Lost! The Parables of Luke 15Sample
God doesn't want us to go against our common sense. The prodigal son came to realise the ridiculousness of feeding pigs when he could have been serving his dad. If we have any sense, we will recognise our need to turn from our sins and to trust in Jesus.
The prodigal son has a similar attitude to his father as so many of us have in our opinions of God. We assume He's not going to unreservedly accept us, so we think we have to earn His favour.
The prodigal son thought that if he served his dad long and hard enough, maybe he would be accepted by him. We may think we have to earn God's favour and grace, but getting found by God depends on Him, not us.
The prodigal son's desire to serve his dad was good and right. If we want to minister for God, that is commendable. Rejoice in knowing that God doesn't welcome us just as His slaves and keep us at arm’s length; He adopts us as His sons and daughters in the faith, giving us a permanent home in His Kingdom.
'Loving Heavenly Father, please help us come to our senses and to worship You as You deserve. Thank You for accepting us as sons and daughters, not just as slaves or servants. In Jesus' name, amen.'
Do you think of God as a hard taskmaster, or a loving Heavenly Father?
About this Plan
Luke 15 is a threefold parable, a bit like a three-leafed shamrock clover, that Jesus told about lostness. The Sunday School definition of a parable is that it’s an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. So, when Jesus talks about sheep, coins and sons, He's not just an entertaining storyteller: He's illustrating heaven’s spiritual truths.
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