When God Runs: The Prodigal's Return to the Father

Galatians 4:4–7 CEB

4 But when the fulfillment of the time came, God sent his Son, born through a woman, and born under the Law. 5 This was so he could redeem those under the Law so that we could be adopted. 6 Because you are sons and daughters, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba, Father!” 7 Therefore, you are no longer a slave but a son or daughter, and if you are his child, then you are also an heir through God.

When God Runs

My boys were talking one day and one of them challenged me to a race. They said that they could out run me. I believe that I told him that I could outrun him. I said “on your mark, get set, go!” and he took off running. I just stood there and laughed.

He said something about it not being fair or I didn’t run, something like that. I reminded him that I said that I could out run him, but didn’t say that I would try. That would have been comical and might have precipitated a call to 911 if I would have tried to run!

As I was reading this past week in preperation for today I came across a quote from the book “Live in Liberty; The Spiritual Message of Galatians” that really stood out to me. The authors wrote:

Live in Liberty: The Spiritual Message of Galatians It’s Adoption, but Not as We Know It

We prodigals can’t escape the Father’s presence no matter how far we run. Yet, while we run from him, God doesn’t run from us. He runs toward us, sending his Son in the fullness of time to redeem us. Why? So that, through the gift of forgiveness, we would exchange our destructive, surrogate spiritual fathers (our idols) for the one true Father and thereby be free (1 Thess 1:9; Acts 17:30).

This running began way back in the beginning. We read in Genesis 3:6-8

Genesis 3:6–8 CEB

6 The woman saw that the tree was beautiful with delicious food and that the tree would provide wisdom, so she took some of its fruit and ate it, and also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then they both saw clearly and knew that they were naked. So they sewed fig leaves together and made garments for themselves. 8 During that day’s cool evening breeze, they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden; and the man and his wife hid themselves from the Lord God in the middle of the garden’s trees.

From that one decision there came consequences. Even though they were forced out of Eden, God did not give up on that first family. As much as humanity was on a trajectory away from God, God was continually running toward humanity.

Sometimes people got it right and walked with God and then we see long times where they went their own way. The awesome thing is that God did not give up, He kept running toward them and us.

If you read through Paul’s letter to the Galatian church you quickly realize the legalism and idolatry that they church was facing. There were Jewish Christians who were teaching that for a Gentile to become a Christian that they had to first become Jewish. Idolatry was not only about idolizing graven images; it was also about assigning the highest value to everything other than God, which is a principle that is still applicable in modern times.

While the forms of idolatry evolved over time, the basic issue has remained remarkably consistent. Idolatry is, at its core, the placing of ultimate significance on anything other than God. Let us look at how this emerges in our lives now, drawing parallels to the early church's problems.

Think about materialism. We might easily become preoccupied with what we own rather than our relationship with God in our quest of wealth and goods. This never-ending pursuit frequently takes us away from spiritual depth and into a superficial existence defined by monetary prosperity.

Power can also be a modern idol. Power can entice us to compromise our principles and priorities in our careers, communities, and personal relationships. We may find ourselves making judgments based on what increases our influence or control rather than what is right or Godly.

Then there's the yearning for recognition and status. How often are we motivated by a need for social acceptability, building our life around what others think rather than harmonizing with God's will? This pursuit might lead us astray by elevating human praise over divine approbation.

These forms of modern idolatry can have far-reaching consequences. They frequently leave us feeling depleted and disappointed. In contrast to God, who provides fulfillment and purpose, these idols leave us feeling more disoriented, leading us further away from the actual peace, pleasure, and happiness we desire.

It's an irony that reminds us of the Galatians' quest for righteousness through the law. In our pursuit of these modern idols, we, like them, frequently find ourselves further away from what we actually seek.

So, let us pause for a minute of self-reflection What do we value most in our lives? Is there anything other than God that has taken center stage? We, like the Galatians, must choose between chasing these modern idols and returning to the open arms of the Father. He provides us with not just freedom, but also our actual identity as His cherished children.

Let's look at the great truth of God's never-ending pursuit of us, His children. Even if we run or hide, are consumed by our modern idols, or become lost on our wayward paths, our Heavenly Father does not abandon us. Instead, He runs towards us, arms wide outstretched. This point will help us understand the breadth of God's love and presence in our lives, even when we feel the furthest away. Let us start on this journey of discovering the Father's ever-present love, who sent His Son to redeem us in the fullness of time, demonstrating an unchanging commitment to bringing us back into His arms.

Galatians 4:4–5 CEB

4 But when the fulfillment of the time came, God sent his Son, born through a woman, and born under the Law. 5 This was so he could redeem those under the Law so that we could be adopted.

The Father’s Unyielding Presence

I think we’re all familiar with the parable that Jesus told of the Prodigal Son. I won’t read it to you, but you’ll find it in Luke 15. The boy was one of two named sons of a seemingly wealth farmer. The youngest wanted what was coming to him and his father give him his inheritance and the young man went off to “conquer” the world. Rather than conquering the world, the world conquered him and he wasted all of his resources.

We ended up feeding pigs and dreaming about eating what he was feeding them because he had nothing.

He concocts a plan to go back to his father, hoping to get hired on as a servant. Jesus said Luke 15:20

Luke 15:20 NKJV

20 “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.

His father had not given up on him. The son didn’t run back to his father, his father ran to him.

That is a very poignant picture of God running to us.

Look at verse 4 of our Scripture.

Galatians 4:4 CEB

4 But when the fulfillment of the time came, God sent his Son, born through a woman, and born under the Law.

Charles Spurgeon said, “We moved not towards the Lord, but the Lord towards us! I do not find that the world, in repentance, sought its Maker. No, but the offended God, Himself, in infinite compassion, broke the silence and came forth to bless His enemies!”

Paul describes the turning point in history in Galatians 4:4, saying, 'But when the fullness of time had come, God sent out his Son.' 'The fullness of time,' is more than just a poetic metaphor. It signifies God's perfectly selected moment for the arrival of Jesus Christ. The Roman Empire's extensive roadways, the shared Greek language, and the people's need for spiritual fulfillment—all of these circumstances combined to provide the ideal environment for Christ's message to take root and spread. This was not a chance occurrence; it was a divine appointment that reflected God's ongoing engagement in our world and our individual lives. It's a dramatic demonstration of how God works on a timeline that, while often mysterious to us, is precisely planned for our ultimate welfare.

But let us bring this back to our everyday lives. This historical act of God sending His Son is a powerful reminder of His constant presence in our lives. God is still present even when we feel distant, when our personal struggles or modern 'idols' lead us astray. He doesn't just stand there; he actively reaches out to us. This is powerfully illustrated in the narrative of the Prodigal Son: the father did not simply wait for his son to return; he saw him from afar and raced towards him. God, too, does not sit back and do nothing. He pursues us not to condemn, but to reconcile and love.

We frequently find ourselves in David's sandals, as represented in the Psalms, feeling lost or abandoned. Nonetheless, David discovered God's presence to be a constant in his life time and again. This is also the case for us. God's presence is not dependent on our feelings of closeness to Him. His compassion and grace are unwavering, a guiding and comforting power, especially when we are in doubt or wander.

So, when we ponder on God sending His Son at the appropriate time, keep in mind that God's precise, caring character is also at work in our lives today. Regardless of how far away we feel, his presence is a constant, an immutable fact. It's a reminder that we are never completely alone, that His love and grace are always available to us.

Let us move on to the second point of our message: Redemption Through the Son. In this section we'll look closely at how God demonstrated His love for us in the most spectacular way possible: by sending Jesus to save us.

Galatians 4:5 CEB

5 This was so he could redeem those under the Law so that we could be adopted.

Redemption Through the Son

Let's explore redemption. Imagine having a treasured family heirloom or something you value. One day, you lose it. Feeling devastated. Then you have the opportunity to reclaim it, but it will cost you. Because you value it, you don't hesitate. Redemption is like this. Regaining something valuable costs.

In the Bible, redemption is significant. God brought us back to Him. This was the biggest price anyone could pay. Here comes Jesus. Imagine Jesus paying a big debt we couldn't pay. God separated us from him because of sin. This breakup was like losing that precious treatsure.

For Jesus, paying this price was more significant than just giving money. His sacrifice was death. Jesus died on the cross for our sins. He responded, 'I'll pay the price to bring them home' when we couldn't return to God.

But why did Jesus do this? This is about reconciliation—repairing relations between two parties. It's about reconciling with God. Before Jesus, people and God were separated. That gap was filled by Jesus' sacrifice. He restored our relationship with God, like finding that lost treasure.

In discussing Jesus' redemption, it goes beyond a historical event. This is a personal invitation to you. It implies we can be near to God, join His family, and have a meaningful and joyful life. Redemption is about being restored to God, not merely receiving anything back.

Consider the arrival of Jesus on Earth. This moment changed everything. People always wanted to connect with God before Jesus. They tried a variety of methods, such as adhering to various religious laws or ceremonies, but these often resulted in even more confusion. It was like navigating a maze without a map. People longed to be close to God, but other beliefs and practices kept getting in the way.

The arrival of Jesus was like a bright light in the maze. His arrival was like a bridge to God over all the convoluted paths. God became easier to understand and reach via Jesus. He explained God's love to everyone. He demonstrated how to know God via love, faith, and forgiveness, not elaborate rituals or regulations.

Additionally, Jesus' life and teachings illuminated the nature of God. Before Jesus, many people had inaccurate views of God. But Jesus completely embodied God's kindness, mercy, and longing for a relationship with us. Jesus reveals God's nature, helping us understand Him.

Jesus not only preached closeness to God, but also made it possible. His life, death, and resurrection opened a way to God. This road is open to anyone, regardless of background. He invited us to walk across this bridge, built of His love and sacrifice, to enter God's presence.

Jesus' presence on Earth marks a significant historical turning point. The path to God was obvious and available then. This occurrence gives us hope and a new way to live in God's love.

Let's examine the items we commonly place in the place of God. We might not know it, but sometimes we treat things like money, power, or popularity as if they were the most important parts of our lives, almost like substitute 'fathers' or guides. These things might take center stage, dismissing God. Matthew 6:24 states, 'No one can serve two masters... You cannot serve both God and money.' Wealth and material goods can become our main focus, as this scripture warns.

There's more to consider than just money. Wanting power or popularity might also be our objective. When we pursue these, we often make unhealthy decisions or hurt relationships. These are 'destructive, surrogate spiritual fathers'—things we let lead us astray instead of God's counsel and love. 1 John 2:15-16 says, "Do not love the world or anything in it." If someone loves the world, they don't love God. The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life come from the world, not the Father. This verse warns us that earthly desires can separate us from God.

However, Jesus provided an alternative to these false guides. He provides forgiveness, love, and a genuine relationship with God instead of chasing unsatisfying goods. He seems to be asking us to swap in the fake and damaging for the real and good. Jesus' atonement changes our priorities and values, not just saves us. Paul advises, 'Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be changed by the renewing of your mind.' Romans 12:2. Jesus urges us to abandon these materialistic pursuits and live a life of meaning, purpose, and God's love.

The next step after acknowledging Jesus' great salvation is the transformation to true sonship. We will explore the profound shift that occurs when we accept Jesus' gift of redemption. It's about becoming new creatures—true children of God—not just being saved from our sins.

Galatians 4:6–7 CEB

6 Because you are sons and daughters, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba, Father!” 7 Therefore, you are no longer a slave but a son or daughter, and if you are his child, then you are also an heir through God.

The Transformation to True Sonship

Spiritual adoption in Christianity is far more than just a symbolic concept; it is a profound reality for those who put their faith in Christ. To better understand this, let's draw a parallel with Roman culture, where adoption was a common practice with significant implications. In ancient Rome, when a person was adopted, their entire status and identity were transformed. They took on a new family name, inherited new rights and responsibilities, and were considered a new person in the eyes of the law and society. This wasn't just a change in title; it was a complete transformation of their identity and place in the world.

Similarly, in Christianity, spiritual adoption represents a total transformation of our identity. Through faith in Christ, we are adopted into God's family. This is not a mere change in religious status or a symbolic gesture. It is a profound alteration of our very identity at the deepest level. When we accept Christ, we are no longer defined by the parameters that the world or our past mistakes set for us. Our previous identity, marred by sin and failure, is replaced with a new identity as children of God.

This change in identity is radical and all-encompassing. As God's children, we are not just forgiven of our past errors; we are seen as beloved and precious in God’s eyes. Our value and worth are no longer tied to our social status, our achievements, or even how we view ourselves. Instead, our identity is rooted in who we are in Christ - beloved, accepted, and cherished. Ephesians 1:5 says, 'He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.' This verse underscores that our adoption is part of God’s joyful and deliberate plan, not an afterthought or a secondary plan.

Furthermore, this new identity as children of God comes with the assurance of His unconditional love. Just as a loving parent cares for their child, God cares for us. We are fully accepted, not because of what we have done, but because of His love and grace through Jesus Christ. This transformative understanding of our identity has profound implications for how we live, how we view ourselves, and how we interact with others and with God. It shifts our perspective from one of striving to earn love and acceptance to one of living out the reality of being fully loved and accepted already.

In conclusion, spiritual adoption in Christianity is a transformative and powerful truth. It redefines our identity, not based on our past or our achievements, but based on our new status as children of God. This understanding invites us into a life of freedom, joy, and the security of being dearly loved by our Heavenly Father.

As our time together comes to an end, I'd like to issue a call to action to everyone of us. This is an opportunity to consider and respond to the facts we've discussed today. First, let us acknowledge God's never-ending pursuit of us. He is like the father in the prodigal son narrative, who watched and waited before running to meet his son. No matter where you've been or what you've done, God is running towards you with open arms.

Second, I would like to invite you to accept His gift of redemption. For our freedom, Jesus paid the ultimate price. It's a gift that everyone can receive, but like any gift, it must be accepted. This acceptance manifests itself not only in words, but also in the turning of our hearts and lives toward Him.

Finally, accept your true identity as God's children. You are not defined by your history, your faults, or the labels you may have been given by the world. The love of God defines you. You are heirs to His kingdom as His children, full of incomprehensible love, grace, and hope.