FULFILLMENT IS POSSIBLE

 

May 14, 2024

 

Luke 15:11-32

Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. . .  

we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ ”

FULFILLMENT IS POSSIBLE

After prematurely taking his inheritance and wasting it all on wild living, the prodigal son in Luke 15 lands in a messy, unclean place, feeding pigs while starving. He is empty and alone. 

Have you ever been there? Isn’t it true that often in life difficulties come when we live life on o.ur own terms, ignoring God’s design for us?

I sure know what that is like, oh, I did not squander an inheritance. Yet, I did ignore God’s purposes and plan, and sought to live my life outside God’s design. “Who needs God,” I said, and I lived “my way”. The outcome and consequences of my choices were painful and messy.

What I want to emphasize today is that we are created to find our ultimate fulfillment in a relationship with God. The things we long for and yearn for the most, love, joy, and peace can only truly be found in a loving relationship with our Creator. 

Our parable today teaches us that the Good News of the gospel is that no matter where you’ve been or what you’ve done, God’s love, joy, and peace are still there waiting for you. While we may have ignored God’s life-giving purpose, God never did, our loving Creator faithfully keeps his promises, and is committed to offering abundant life to all. As the old gospel song put it, God “waits patiently in line, but "he is there all the time” for each of us. 

Here is what I found, I know you will too, that while  still a long way off, God the father will ran toward you with new clothes, and the celebration begins. For the lost has been found. 



As you think about today’s Parable.

· What is God saying to you?

· What does it mean to you?

· What action step do you need to take?


After you reflect on these questions, bring everything to God in prayer.