"What a Welcome!"

 N.T.#598 "What a Welcome!"

July 25, 2025 

Luke 15-Part 4 

LET IT GLOW

When I know our daughter is coming for a visit, I clean house, cook her favorite foods, and clear my schedule. We don't get to see her very often, once a year is great. So we enjoy the time together. This father in the parable seems to do the same for his son. Read on, friend and as we take a look from the father's perspective of the Prodigal son's return.

First of all, the father was willing to give his two sons their inheritance. I wonder if the dad figured out what the younger son would do with his. Apparently, the dad was a good provider. His servants ate well and he had wealth to share with the boys. Maybe he raised crops or animals to sell. 

Can you see the dad looking longingly for his rebellious son to return home? He wanted to see the son who was not there and wanted to have a relationship with him. What more could the dad do, for he had provided everything the kid needed, even a job. But that wasn't enough for the boy. So the dad let him go. There would be hardships ahead, users to help him spend his money, a sinful lifestyle. Still, the dad was willing to let the young man experience hurt in the world. Yet we parents keep looking and looking for our loved and wayward kid to return home. We don't give up; we keep praying.

Finally, the day came after months of waiting. The Prodigal son was walking or limping down the lane shoeless.  Instead of waiting for the foolish boy to come crawling, this father threw aside his own dignity and ran to meet his returning son. Can you see the love here? The dad even hugged the stinky boy and kissed him. What a welcome home. (The boy was clothed in shame and humility.) He didn't get what he deserved-treated like a servant, disgrace.

The father had already made arrangements as to how he would treat the boy. In place of tattered, torn, stinky hog smelling clothes, he got a long robe indicating wealth; a ring with the family's signet, which indicated he had authority in the family's business; sandals showing he was no longer poor.  I would say the boy felt accepted back into the fold, family, and after how he treated his father.

then there was the party, celebrating the son had returned home.  Dad had put up a calf in a pen, fattening it up on grain for a month or so, getting it ready to eat high on the hog or calf. Everyone was celebrating, except for one person-the eldest son. 

His son was dead, but alive again. He once was lost yet now found. A time to rejoice. (verse 24)

The father showed forgiveness, not condemnation. We don't read of a lecture here, do we? 

LET IT GROW

Can you see the similarity of this father and our Heavenly Father? 

When we turn to God for forgiveness of our rebellion, sin, or immoral lifestyle, He forgives completely. Here is a picture of God's love for lost sinners. He waits is kind, goes out to meet us, and does not give us what we deserve, but mercy.

Our Father welcomes us back when we wonder into the world and stray from Him. God's great love for us does not change. Jesus paid the price so we can come to Holy God. He prepared the way. He is the life.

LET IT GO

What an Awesome God!

Your love never fails, never gives up, never runs out on me.

Cleanse our hearts and set our feet on the Rock.

To You be glory and honor forever!