Most are familiar with the Biblical story of the Prodigal Son. It is from Luke chapter 15.
In brief: the younger son did not want to wait for his father’s death to claim his inheritance, and instead asked for it immediately.
Verse 13 tells what happens next: The younger son gathered all he had, traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living.
Broke and hungry living with animals, he traveled home intending to tell his father in verse 19, “ I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.”
Instead of the expected reaction of “you made your bed, now lie in it” the father instead, “was filled with compassion and put his arms around him and kissed him.” (verse 20)
The Parable Today
How do you react to this picture? Like the father or the elder son whose response was: “I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came back who has devoured all your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him.” (verses 29-30)
Lost and then found? Compassion or condemnation? Like all parables, this modern day event helps us see who we are.
Also a reminder on Fathers’ Day of who we can be.
One key aspect of the Prodigal son parable was that the son recognized his error, and returned, “I am not worthy to be your son.” There is a fine line between grace and forgiveness and enabling.
that being said, you and I cannot know what is in a man’s heart, but we are told to judge by the fruit they produce. I wouldn’t eat off that tree.