Another runaway, two sons (Luke 15:11-32)
Gary McManus, 07/21/2013Part of the God's Word is Life series, preached at a Sunday Morning service
The Word of God is LIFE.
[Deuteronomy 32:47, Psalm 119:25,37,107,
John 5:24, 6:63,68, Philippians 2:16, 1 John 1:1 ].
God’s Word isn’t just valuable or a good guide.
God’s Word brings life: Jesus and Lazurus
(John 11:43 ff.)
Jesus begins the story by saying a man had TWO sons. And Jesus will tell us about BOTH sons.
Two sons and, apparently, a family business.
The younger son REALLY didn’t want to
be there any more.
The son returns when he sees things differently.
He prepares a little speech about a new plan.
(to be a servant in his old home)
In many versions of Jesus’ story,
the son is interrupted by his father with a whole
other plan: a robe, a ring and sandals
and a feast!
Then, Jesus draws our attention to the older son.
The Father insists that celebration is the right thing to do. Jesus is teaching. .this is what God is like. . . .
You might ask who am I more like in Jesus' story: Father, older son, younger son and when? Or notice that both sons have trouble truly being sons of their Father
Jesus said, (Matthew 5:44-45) “I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you
that you may be children of your Father in heaven.
So, one way to look at Jesus’ story is this; which son are you more like? But another way to see Jesus’ story is this. . .
Can we be sons of our heavenly Father?
Can YOU truly be a son of your heavenly Father?
In the story, The younger son is fully restored as the Father’s son The older son was told you are MY SON. “All I have is yours”—you have lost NOTHING.
Jesus tells the story to tell us about the God we want to serve. The question comes down to all of us; can WE allow the Lord to make us into HIS children? There is always room at the Lord’s table. Do we really believe that? Can we really LIVE that? Can we like the prodigal son RECEIVE the proof that we are restored?
Will we carry HIS identity with us?
This is about rejoicing! in heaven.(Luke 15:7, 15:10) Will you rejoice? Will you share the identity of your heavenly Father? The heavenly Father forgives and will restore no matter how far they have run and no matter if they stand outside angry.
Be more like Him who IS your heavenly Father.
Be the children of your Heavenly Father.
as your Heavenly Father intends you to be. Amen
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