The Squandering Son

Have you ever heard the expression, “the grass is not always greener on the other side”? It is of course an analogy about lawns and their appearance. And how sometimes we invest so much into our lawns that when it seems that our work is not yielding the results, we feel it should we tend to think that “maybe if I have what the neighbors have then everything will be OK”. This is one of those statements we wake when facing a decision that at the time seems like a good idea but as we consider what is at stake, we realize that maybe things are better off the way they are. Most of the time when you here this type of statement it may also be because life has dealt us a hand that we are not satisfied with. Or in other words we are not content with what we have but instead we are more impressed with others life. Its then that someone reminds us that, hey “the grass is not always greener on the other side”. The “other side” of this statement is that which does not belong to you, but what you wished you had. (elaborate on this analogy)

1. Rebellion against the Father (v.11-16)

His request was in itself a rebellion. What was wrong with the request?

1. He goes to his Father with his hands out.

He goes to his Father with his hands out. (What do we want from God?)

2. He had asked for an inheritance before his Father was dead.

He had asked for an inheritance before his Father was dead.

2. He had asked for an inheritance before his Father was dead.

His demand demonstrated his motive. (We want God to bless us with things our character can’t handle)

3. His demand demonstrated his motive.

v.13 He leaves his father's house for a distant country. Why?Prodigal living? What is it and what does it mean?

2. Realization of his Failure

Sometimes it seems like one of the hardest things to do in life is to admit that you were wrong. People will go through life and never admit that they have fallen short. And this is the problem with the world, they think that there is nothing wrong with them. But, the bible says “he came to his senses”. All of a sudden now he remembers who he is and where he is from and who he belongs to.

Who he was...

Where he was from...

Who he belonged to...

3. Restoration into Favor

The joy and beginning of restoration begins with the Father looking for us to return. Isn’t that something? And not looking for us so that He can repay or reprimand us for our sins but instead looking for us to return so that He can embrace us and show compassion. The bible says:

“The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and truth.”

“His anger is but for a moment, and his favor for a lifetime. Pain may endure for a night, but Joy comes in the morning.”

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins, and to cleans us from all unrighteousness.”