LESSONS FROM THE STORY OF THE PRODIGAL SON
In the book Luke chapter 15,Jesus told 3 powerful parables about being lost and found.One of these stories is the story of the prodigal son.
In this study,I would like to focus of some lessons on this story that can help us grow as a Christian.
1)Wait for God's time
The Prodigal son asked his father to get the portion of goods falls on him
Luke 15:12
And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them.
This scene shows no respect to his older brother and to his father.It's a matter of bypassing. Traditionally,we can only get the portion that belongs to us when a certain parent made his last will and testament.
The Bible also speaks also about this matter.
Hebrews 9:17
For a will takes effect only at death, since it is not in force as long as the one who made it is alive.
Wait for God's time. Because the time of God is perfect. Don't force it.Don't get it early.
2)Respect the Elders or Leaders
The prodigal showing no respect to his older and father.In some point,We know that we should respect all people.Jesus also taught us that we should love our enemy.How much more to our older brother or father.
This scene of the story is teaching us we should honor those who are on the position or power.
Romans 13:1
Submission to the Authorities
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.
Romans 13:2
Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.
3)Stay In Your Father's House
I am pretty sure that believers has a request to our God.But what is your response when your request has been approved by God.Do you stay in His house or or go away from his house?
The prodigal son suffered a lot when he departed from the presence of his father.
This story is teaching us that whether our request be granted or not, we should not depart from our provider or else we will be put on trouble
Jesus said,,
John 15:7
If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
4)God Is Merciful
Although this prodigal son departed from the house of his father,still his can forgive him.This is a big picture of salvation.Many people are still lost.But if we stand up and draw near to our God,he will embrace us and forgive us.
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Let us read scence when the younger son get back to the house of his father.
Luke 15:18
I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.
Luke 15:19
I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’
Luke 15:20
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.
Luke 15:21
And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
Luke 15:22
But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet.
Luke 15:23
And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate.
Luke 15:24
For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.
Guys,our God is a God of chance.
It is not over yet until it's over.
God is waiting for us.
Lastly,
Luke 19:10
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
