About The Prodigal Father and His Extravagant Grace

The story of the Prodigal Son is one that we are all very familiar with. Growing up I used to think that the word “Prodigal” meant leaving home on a bad note and returning after many years. But later I found out that the word “Prodigal” actually means “extravagant or lavish spending, often in a wasteful or illogical way”

Friends, today, I want to share 2 important things that I believe we should pay attention to in this parable:

1. The Son's Prodigal living

The story begins with a young man who demands his inheritance from his father and sets off on a self-indulgent journey. He squanders his material wealth in wild living, only to find himself destitute and desperate.

What the son didn’t know was that, material resources are limited to afford and sustain prodigal living. This is the reason for wisdom, more of it, to help us make wise decisions. Has it ever occurred to you why we can’t just print money for everyone to eliminate poverty? Well, if we did that, because material resources are limited and our wants are insatiable, more money will chase the limited goods and services in the world and money will have little or no value eventually.

So, after hitting rock bottom, the prodigal son comes to his senses and realizes the folly of his ways. It was impossible for him to afford prodigal living. The Bible says, he decides to return to his father and seek forgiveness, hoping to perhaps become one of his father's hired servants.

Here is the best part:

2. The Father's Prodigal Grace

Upon seeing his son in the distance, the father is filled with compassion and runs to embrace him. He forgives his son without hesitation, welcoming him back into the family with open arms and celebrating his return.

Instead of punishing his wayward son, the father expresses his prodigal grace (His extravagant, lavish, probably illogical grace) and throws a lavish celebration for his prodigal son. It’s like the Father was saying to him, material wealth can’t sustain the prodigal living you deserve. Only I can! And the Bible says, He has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places.

Friends, this parable reminds us that no matter how far we may stray or how much we may have sinned, we can always find our way back to the loving embrace of our heavenly Father. God bless you!