Shedding light on The Parable of the Lost Son

The Parable of the Lost Son 11Jesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons. 12The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them.13"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. 14After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.17"When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.' 20So 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.21"The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.[b]'22"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. 23Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. 24For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.25"Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27'Your brother has come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.'28"The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!'31" 'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' "

So you've read this probably many times, or heard of it. this Father can be compared to God. Two sons: one cuts loose (like many of us do! cut loose, from our homes and what we know, for so called freedom.) Then the other son, an establishment figure - like many we see - those who choose to stay at home, and enjoys his 'religious', good, life, BUT looks down on others as he is obviously self righteous and sees himself as morally superior over other people. Here we have a deceptive contrast between the wto brothers. Both we find out is loved - and equally welcome - by their father. the younger brother, leaves home to find freedom, squanders his money and it runs out. He chooses to goe home - home is a place of belonging and acceptance - that place where we find God. His love is unconditional. The Father in this story is so happy he RUNS to his son and KISSES him - How do you experience God's kiss - has God ever 'kissed you?' He has me!! Thank you God! The son says 'Sorry' - have you said sorry - it's something to say to God EVERY day! In the Lord's prayer we say 'forgive us Lord...' The generosity of the father is overwhelming - in this passage and in our lives - if we can but see it. Jesus (for HE IS GOD) has paid the price for us to go home. We won't go to heaven if we think we are good.Here endeth the message! Do you get it? Please take every opportunity to read the bible before it is too late! His word - gives light and salvation for He IS. Amen