The Prodigal God: Part 3 (Luke 15:21-24)

Hello All,

Just to recap on the sequence of events which have unfolded in this parable:

·         The younger son demanded a share of his father’s property even while his father was still alive, left home and plunged himself into wild living in search for excitement and meaning in life.

·         After splurging all he had on wild living, famine struck and he was reduced to a feeder of pigs when he decided to return to his father who welcomed him with open arms.

So the parable continues…

The Prodigal God: Part 3 (Luke 15:21-24)

By Joanne Liaw Sook Ling (20^th June 2012)

He began reciting his lines that were well-thought through:

‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.

I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

His speech was halted before it had barely begun.

His father was overjoyed at his return

And called for a big feast and celebration

Replaced his filthy rags with robes of splendor

And placed a ring of sonship on his finger

TO BE CONTINUED…..

Points for Reflection:

Like the younger son in this parable,

·        As you return home to our heavenly Father, do you feel that your past sins have made you no longer worthy to be called a child of God anymore and you must do many good works to atone for them? If you do, you need not let the guilt of past weigh you down for Christ’s death on the cross has erased them all.

·         Upon coming home to our heavenly Father, we are given a fresh start and a new identity as his beloved children.  We are called to forsake our old life and live a new life of loving obedience to him. Do you find a struggle within yourself to forsake certain sinful habits of that old life? If so, take comfort in the fact that God has given us his Holy Spirit to help us to turn day by day from our old ways. That does not mean that we will turn perfect overnight but it is a gradual process of renewal which requires us to cooperate and work hand-in-hand with God.