March 18, 2007

How to Embrace a Prodigal
 

by Rev. Dr. Jim Carlson

Luke 15:11-32

Opening Illustration – Under funded program to rehab non-violent youth.

In Luke Jesus soft on crime? Constantly meeting with sinners – worst of society.

Luke 15 – parable of lost sheep, lost coin.

Two points: 1) Illustrates God’s initiative in seeking out lost; 2) heavenly celebration of redemption.

Parable of Prodigal Son reinforces both ideas.

Most famous of Jesus’ parables. Prevailing idea in Judaism – God does not seek people out; they must seek God through repentance and obedience.

Tell story – all details

Two salient points –

1) God’s initiative in reaching out to people who are struggling.

2) Fairness of God in loving both sinners and righteous.

Bit of sarcasm – Righteous persons who have no need to repent.

Life application: 1) There is a little of the younger brother in all of us. We have squandered what God has given us.

There is a little of the older brother in us. Fundamental mistake to separate ourselves from others because we think we’re more righteous.

There is a little of the Father in all of us. In order to reach out to people in trouble we have to embrace them. It helps them envision God’s forgiveness. It helps them imagine themselves being redeemable.

Closing Illustration

Whoever you identify with, remember that you’re never too far gone to come home, that we must welcome people who have made a wreck of their lives, not shun them, and that God will take the initiative to find you, no matter how far you stray from the path.