UNCOMMEN: 180 Degrees of ChangeSample

The Prodigal Son

Focus verses: Luke 15:17-19

Luke 15:17-19 — "But when he came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.' 19 And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him."

The Prodigal Son is the textbook example of our 180-degree concept. In twenty-one verses, God paints a picture of a person who gets in a tight spot only to find redemption and acceptance once he turns back to his Father.

How many of us have it all too good where we are but want something else? Our story tells us the youngest son seems to have it pretty good while living and working for his Father. But he thinks there is more to be had out in the world only to find that no one loves and cares for him as his Father did.

The Bible even treats the son kindly in the ways it speaks about him. Consider the scene: he’s standing in a pigpen (literally a mud puddle) and is discovering how lost he is. Yet, the Bible paints a picture of redemption as it says, “but when he came to himself.”

At least the young son had sense enough to go back to his Father. How many of us would let pride get in the way and be ashamed to go back home to the one who loved him so much?

But my favorite part of this story is verse 19.

"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him."

How much different would our story feel if the son just came home and knocked on the door to speak to his Father? But instead, "while still a long way off, his Father saw him..." tells me the Father was looking for his son. It goes on to say that the Father felt compassion for his son and embraced him. I'll let you have the honor of reading the full story there in Luke.

If you find yourself not where you belong, your Heavenly Father awaits. He's looking for you and wants to welcome you home with open arms.

The question is, are you ready to come home?

Uncommen Questions:

Do you find yourself far from God?

Are you considering coming home?

Uncommen Challenge:

I challenge you and me to reexamine where we are in a relationship with God. Are we in the protected care of our Father, or do we find ourselves standing in a pigpen of our own choosing? 

Scripture Reference:
Luke 15:11-32