We all know them. People in our lives have lost their way along the path of Kingdom living. Wandering children, siblings, parents, friends, coworkers, or strangers we pass every day. We don’t have to look far to find someone who has strayed from the narrow way.
Prodigals surround us.
It is difficult to see how lost some folks are. How indifferent they seem toward biblical truth. When we hear perspectives that run contrary to God’s Word spill from our loved ones’ lips or watch the lifestyle of sin they choose daily, it’s hard to hold onto hope for transformation.
That’s why Luke 15 is such a gift to us.
It seems Jesus was well-acquainted with prodigals, too. In this particular chapter, Jesus shares three analogies to illustrate the Father’s heart for wandering people and remind us that He came to seek and save the lost.
Jesus stepped into Earth’s atmosphere on a divine rescue mission, one that has not ceased. He did not come on a whim; He came with Divine intent.
His goal is the salvation of the world.
It’s a big mission. One our Savior pursues with clarity, wisdom, and loving compassion that far exceeds our own.
And with power enough to accomplish it.
It’s encouraging to remember that our prodigal loved ones are constantly in God’s thoughts. Their wandering hearts are always on His heart.
His concern for their salvation is continuous, as is His pursuit of them.
In this particular chapter of Luke, the Pharisees were complaining that Jesus associated with those they deemed unworthy — tax collectors, notorious sinners — scoundrels all. It seemed Jesus made a habit of hanging out with people who purposefully did things they knew they shouldn’t.
If Jesus was so holy, why would He dirty himself with the likes of those people? Why would He welcome their presence at the risk of tarnishing His reputation?
Because Jesus loves prodigals.
In response to the accusations, Jesus gave an illustration about a shepherd who had a flock of one hundred sheep. When one of those sheep wandered off, the shepherd left the other ninety-nine in safety to pursue the lost lamb. He did not shrug it off and count His losses. He went out into the wilderness to recover his treasured lamb. And when he found it, he joyfully placed it on his shoulders and carried it back to the herd, calling his neighbors to rejoice in celebrating the return of his lost sheep.
Next, Jesus offered another story. This was about a woman who had ten valuable coins. When she lost one of them, she searched every nook and cranny of her home until she found it. She did not content herself with the other nine coins, but she scoured every inch of her dwelling until she recovered the lost one. Then she gathered her friends and neighbors to share in her joy.
In these first two stories, Jesus emphasizes seeking those who are lost. The shepherd went out into the wilderness to track down the lost lamb. The woman searched every bit of her home to recover the lost coin.
Such is the heart of God for those whose hearts wander. There is a desperation to recover what has gone missing.
Jesus is aware that His beloved child has gone AWOL. More than that, He is constantly in pursuit of them. Our Redeemer orchestrates situations to bring truth across their paths. He speaks to them through people who come into their lives at just the right time. He pricks their conscience during moments of vulnerability.
He is not standing idly by, hopeless and powerless to do anything about their precarious situation. He is working right now on their behalf, sometimes behind the scenes, to bring them home. His angels are warring in the heavenly realm, pushing back the gates of darkness and demolishing schemes of wickedness bent on overtaking the lost soul. And His Holy Spirit is lifting a standard to overcome the enemy even when it appears otherwise.
The final story Jesus shares in Luke 15 is perhaps one of the most well-known parables of all — the story of the prodigal son. Or maybe, a more fitting title should be The Parable of the Good Father.
When the youngest of two sons demands his inheritance and rushes off to squander it all, the Father does not harden His heart. Even though His son has spurned his love and care, the Father is bent on forgiveness and grace. Day after day, He looks longingly toward the road His son must walk to return home. Day after day, the Father expectantly hopes for the prodigal’s return.
When the son has finally had his fill of the world’s lack, he comes to his senses and decides to return, pleading for a place among his Father’s servants. He slinks home sin-soaked, filthy, destitute, and desperate. He literally has nothing left.
All of Father’s blessings were squandered, wasted on the son’s wanton pleasures. Every last penny spent in dishonoring himself and his Father’s name.
The Father had every right to denounce His son. To banish him from His presence forever. Many of us would encourage Him to do so.
But that is not the Father’s heart.
While the son was still a long way off, the Father’s eyes caught a glimpse of him. Because He had been diligently looking for His son’s reappearance. He had never given up on His wayward offspring.
He had never ceased longing for the prodigal’s return.
Before the son could even form an apology or assume a proper posture of falling before his Father’s feet to beg for mercy, a warm embrace interrupted him. Strong hands wrapped about his frail, poverty-stricken frame, and he was enveloped with the gift of grace. Kisses rained down upon a face covered with the filth of pig slop.
And the voice which had been a part of the son’s life since his first breath called out for a celebration.
The Father commanded his best robe be brought forth and draped on the son’s shoulders. A signet ring was placed on the young man’s finger, granting him full entitlement to the family name. A fattened calf was butchered and roasted as the Father threw a party for the entire neighborhood.
The prodigal returned a hapless beggar; he was welcomed as the son who had died and been resurrected.
This is the Father’s heart for every wayward soul.
This is the love at work even now to bring back your prodigal.
There is a party being planned. A celebration of glorious proportion is in the making.
Be of good cheer, beloved. Jesus is still on a rescue mission.
He has not abandoned His post.
He will search out the nooks and crannies of this world to bring His beloved back to Himself.
May you join Him there with watchful eyes and an expectant heart ready to celebrate the prodigal’s return.
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In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who repents.
– Luke 15:10
O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is loving devotion, and with Him is redemption in abundance. – Psalm 130:7
O Israel, keep hoping, keep trusting, and keep waiting on the Lord, for He is tenderhearted, kind, and forgiving.
He has a thousand ways to set you free!
– Psalm 130:7, TPT