Luke 15: 11 – 32

This is a very famous and familiar story (or parable) from the Bible. One of the definitions of the word Prodigal is reckless, wasteful, extravagant. We can certainly put that label onto the son who took his share of the loot and ran off with it only to blow it all on partying. He is obviously a prodigal.

Perhaps, at least in some way, the life of this guy describes you and your relationship with your parents. You’ve had your disagreements with them, maybe got your tats and piercings against their wishes, and sought to get out on your own. Maybe your break from them was messy, filled with unkind words, and now a lingering bad relationship remains. Maybe you are a prodigal.

There is another prodigal in the story. A second definition of Prodigal is abundant in giving. This certainly fits the father in the story. Look at vs. 20 – 24 again. After seeing his son waste his time, money and life, the father still welcomes him back home, and in fact gives him all kinds of cool stuff (back then) and throws a party.

He didn’t have to do this. The father could have ignored the kid and said “too bad for you son. You made your bed, now sleep in it!” But he didn’t. With compassion, he accepts him back, offers the safety of their home, and restores the blessings that he had before. That is extravagant giving of mercy. The father is a prodigal.

There is yet one more prodigal in the story. It is our Heavenly Father. Through the father in the story, we see God, the prodigal. As humans, we rebel against God. We want what we deserve, and to do with it what we want to, when we want to. We end up wasting our resources and time. We strain our relationship with God and end up regretting it. But if we come back to God with repentance in our heart seeking His forgiveness, like the father in the story, God embraces us with compassion, forgives us of our sin, and restores His blessings to us in the safety of His home. No matter how many times we do this, God always welcomes us home.

It is interesting that they offer a sacrifice (v. 23) when the son returns home. God has offered us a sacrifice, His own son, Jesus. Through Jesus, we who once were lost, are now found. Once dead, are now alive! (v. 24)

If you are a prodigal, return to your parents and seek forgiveness where you have possibly hurt them. I don’t necessarily mean moving back home! But talk to them about past bad decisions and desire to mend your relationship. I am willing to bet that you will see a prodigal in them too.

Pray for your relationship with your parents, and thank God that He is a prodigal of extravagant giving of mercy, grace and compassion! - Richard M.