A BOLD REQUEST

LUKE 15 : 18-24

Hi, welcome to the Stable Sanctuary. Here is a narrative of the prodigal son as told by Jesus Christ. Starting from verse 11, a certain man had two sons whom he highly cherished. The elder son was diligent while the younger way adventurous ,eager to know the outside world. One day the younger son boldly approached the father, “Give me my share of inheritance now.” Painstakingly, the father granted the request. Quickly, the young man packed his belongings and off he went to away to a far country.

LUKE 15 : 18-24

¹⁸ I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. ¹⁹ I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ ²⁰ 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.

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.’

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. ²³ Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. ²⁴ For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

IN SEARCH FREEDOM

Very much eager to experience a new life of freedom, the young son indulged himself and new friends in

pleasure. He had much extravagant parties. He met friends who reveled in lavish lifestyle. Time flies very fast. Soon the money dwindled and he found himself alone. All his riches gone, he was now poor, hungry, without friends. Famine befell the land and the young man became very desperate.

A HUMBLING EXPERIENCE

The young man sought for employment and could only access a farm assistant job of taking care of pigs. He not only fed the pigs but also ate their swill as well. From high and lofty position, he had fallen so low. (Verses 15 and 16). Finally he came to his senses and purposed to reverse his terrible situation. With a penitent heart he says; “l will arise and go to my father…..” (verse 18). He now blames himself and steps out to correct the wrong he had committed. This is a bold, excellent move towards restitution and restoration. His desire is to be a servant on his father’s farm.

EXUBERANT RECEPTION

In a moment of despair, the young man decides to relocate back home (verse 20). The father was earnestly expecting to see him. Compassionately the father ran to welcome home his long lost child; tears of relief streamed down their faces as they embrace d each other. The son feeling unworthy was hilariously welcome to reunite with the head of the entire family.

There was much celebration in the whole estate as the long lost son was received back courtesy of his father. It was an awesome moment of splendor as the family learned the true meaning of love, forgiveness and re-union. A spectacle to behold.

CONCLUSION

In this life, smart work coupled with diligence is something to embrace. Oftentimes , being adventurous can be dangerous. Freedom has limits to be observed. On should always calculate one’s steps smartly so as not to go astray. Should one find oneself estranged, there is a way back to one’s true self worth and greatness. Jesus Christ is The Way. In moments of despair , God in Heaven awaits to grant us a power-packed back up of deliverance. This God is Merciful, Compassionate and Unconditionally loving. Stay Blessed in Christ Jesus. Welcome.