Living in Increase (Part 11) - Increase in JoySample

The Prodigal Son

When Jesus told the story of the prodigal son, He left out a few details that forced the imagination to fill in the gaps. For example, I wonder what type of child this younger son was. I imagine him to be self-centered and entitled, probably a bit rebellious. He was most likely the kid who thought he knew everything and shunned his parents and older brother’s advice and counsel. It is not a stretch to assume he was narcissistic and unwilling to take responsibility for how his actions impacted those who loved him.

I imagine that this father was a good man. He had accumulated property and took care of his family. When the son made his request, there was most likely an argument. The father would have tried to reason with his son. Hurtful words were probably exchanged. This father eventually relented and granted the boy’s request. Jesus doesn’t tell us why, but this young man gathered his things a few days later and left. Perhaps anger and bitterness had taken root and drove him away, or maybe it was the lure of worldly pleasures and perceived freedom.

The father was left to mourn the loss of a wayward child. He may have heard rumors of the son’s lifestyle and reckless living. People may have talked about how this once privileged young man was eating the food meant for pigs. I imagine he was embarrassed by the choices his son had made. He went through cycles of anger, shame, and grief. At some point, he reached a point of forgiveness and longed for restoration. He was watching and waiting for his son to return.

This father saw his son coming far off in the distance. Imagine his excitement and joy when he realized the figure walking toward him was his child. Have you ever had so many emotions that you laughed and cried simultaneously? Did it make you want to jump up and down and shout? He ran, not walked, to his son and hugged him. He didn’t care about the angry words they exchanged. He didn’t care about the time that was lost. He didn’t even care that he was filthy and smelled like pigs. His son was home!

The son asked his father to forgive him. The father had already forgiven. Now, they could both enjoy the fruit of that forgiveness. The son was not only forgiven but elevated. He was given far more than he deserved: a robe, a ring, shoes, a feast, a celebration. This joy was only possible because the father found room in his heart to forgive.

Julie Austin

Action Step: Forgive that person who has hurt you. Then, wait for God to bring healing. Pray for the person who has hurt you. Prepare yourself so you are ready for the moment if/when God will restore that lost relationship.