Luke 15:20-24

Luke 15:20-24

“And after rising, he came to his father.  But yet, while he was a far off his father saw him and was being moved with compassion.  And after running he fell upon his shoulders and kissed him.  But the son said to him, ‘Father, I sinned in heaven and in your presence.  I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’  But the father said to his slaves, ‘Bring out the first robe and put it on him.  Also give a ring into his hand and shoes into his feet.  And bring the fattened calf.  Kill it, and we should rejoice after eating it, because my son was dead and he lived.  He was perishing, yet he was being found.’  And they began to rejoice.”

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Let’s continue to give credit to the son.  Yes, he was very stupid in the beginning of the story.  However, he fell into despair and came to his senses.  What we see in today’s section is that he makes good on the plan for repent.  He follows through.  He says what he had planned to say.  His repentance cycle is complete and genuine.

What does it say about the character of the young man in that he took his inheritance and squandered it?  What does it say about the young man’s character that he is willing to repent and humble himself in coming back?

Second Thought:

While the son is a long way of, the father comes running.  He hugs the son.  He gives him back his robe and ring.  He invites him back into the family.  He tells the slaves to kill the fattened calf and make a celebration.  The father doesn’t dismiss the son or his repentance.  However, he knows his son.  He knows what it takes to come home after making a blunder like that.  He also knows what it feels like to have lost relationship with a son and gained it back.  The relationship is more important to him that the material stuff.

What is more important to you: the relationships of the people around you or the things you have?  How do you live this out?

Third Thought:

We’ll end today’s study on a note of joy.  The father is rejoicing.  He wants to celebrate.  He’s not focused on the error of his son’s ways.  Every parent knows that their kids will make mistakes.  But what godly parents do is appreciate repentance more than saying “I told you so.”  The father could have been mad at the son.  He could have lectured him.  Instead, the father senses genuine repentance and celebrates!

Where have you seen good parenting at work?  Where have you experienced parents who consider it joy to raise their kids – faults and flaws in all?

Passage for Tomorrow: Luke 15:25-32