Seven Days with the Prodigal Father Uzorak

 From the Prodigal Son to the Prodigal Father 

  To the prodigal’s amazement, his father didn’t just grudgingly take him back — he hugged and kissed him, showered him with gifts, and even threw a party. Traditionally, we consider the son the subject of this story because it revolves around his reckless missteps. However, I think Jesus intended to draw our attention to the father and his unconditionally loving response to his wayward son. He freely, extravagantly, and even recklessly, poured out his love on his very undeserving son! Thus, characterizing this narrative as the story of “The Prodigal Father” and his “reckless love,” is right on target.

Perhaps you feel overwhelmed by all your faults and failures like the prodigal son? While that is understandable, this story is still not about you, regardless of how short your shortcomings leave you. It’s about a recklessly loving Father for whom you are such a treasure that He gave everything for you.   

Romans 8:32 KJV says, “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” 

This verse shows that the cross is the ultimate expression of the Father’s reckless love. At the cross, Jesus accepted the worst that humankind had to offer—every vile thought, attitude, and deed that can be found as you scrape the bottom of humanity’s sewer. And as He did, like the prodigal father, our Heavenly Father paid serious dues as Jesus took our punishment upon Himself (justice) and instead, freely gives us all things on His account (mercy), that we might be His sons...