Lost Sons, Embracing Father 2

Last week we began the talk about the younger son’s cultural wrong and moral issues

Luke 15:20–25 (ASV 1901)

And he arose, and came to his father. But while he was yet afar off, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight: I am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: and bring the fatted calf, and kill it, and let us eat, and make merry: for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing.

We considered the younger son last week nothing the following facts:

He wished his father dead, left far away from home, did not want any supervision from his father, wasted all his wealth and inheritance.

His exposure to a ceremonial abhorrence.; working with swines, yet did not even have the opportunity to eat their food.

In the midst of hunger, He came to Himself. He stopped self deceit and pride.

He did what he said he will do: Rise and return home

The father saw him from afar off:

This seem to give us the impression that the father has been on the look out for a long time.

‘he was filled with pity’, “his heart went out to him”

In that culture,(Honor Vs Shame), the father in not supposed to Run, but christ in this story begins to set up the extravagant, Lavished nature of this father’s Love

Next is the theory that if other people had got to the son, they will send him out of the community and because of what he had previously done by removing himself from the community. He is cut off. But the father intervened.

Again, he is going home to have a reduction of his status; note the Father did not even address those issues

Bring him a new dress,

Gold on his neck

Ring on his finger- Royalty.

He declares a Big Party

“So the son comes home. The father’s reaction is telling: But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. The action breaks all Middle Eastern protocol; no father would greet a rebellious son this way (Jeremias 1972:130).

But as is often the case in Jesus’ parables, the twist in the story makes the point. Literally, the father drapes himself on his son’s neck (v. 20, epepesen epi ton trachēlon). He is pleased and thrilled to see his prodigal return.

The son proceeds with his confession, but the father interrupts. The son is satisfied to be a slave, but the father will restore him to full sonship. So the father orders the servants to bring the best robe, a ring for the son’s hand and sandals for his feet. A fattened calf is prepared, and a party will be held. Fatted calves were saved for special occasions like the Day of Atonement. This is not just any party; it is a rare and complete celebration. There will be rejoicing for the lost son, now found

Luke 15:24 HNTC Lu

What a picture of the Father in heaven. How he does celebrate when the lost are found, when sinners repent. What compassion and love he shows. Why does Jesus associate with sinners? Because heaven loves them and waits patiently for them to return and repent so the celebration can begin. Heaven’s citizens are repentant sinners.

It does not matter how far we have gone, when we return he is waiting with an outstretched hands, and hug and kisses. If anyone come to me, I will in no wise cast away

God is waiting for you to come home. He has been on the look out; Get out of religion, performance, rejection of God, fighting with your self. LEAVE this behind and come back home. Matt 11: 28

8 Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language Chapter 11

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

One of my favorite scriptures in the message Bible

Psalm 18: 30-31

What a God! His road stretches straight and smooth. Every God-direction is road-tested. Everyone who runs toward him Makes it.

HE IS WAITING FOR YOU TODAY AND SAYING WELCOME HOME

Will you respond to his hands stretched out for us on the cross of Calvary?

In spite of you you may have done, there is still room for you in the house if you are willing to return

Let us Pray...