See Dad Run!

My name is Adam Barber - the Man of God at Large. I am almost entirely behind the scenes at No Greater Joy Ministries. If you enjoy Mike, Debi, and Nathan’s videos, then you will be happy to know that I work diligently to produce them for our audience.
But I was also a great sinner. When I read the Apostle Paul saying that he was the "chief" of sinners, I said to myself, "I beg to differ—I was."
But God gave me a new life, a love for Him, for ministry, and (this is important) for His Word.
When I study the Bible, I strive to relate to whoever I am reading about; it helps me understand what is going on. Given my life experience of drug addiction and the ensuing immoral lifestyle that goes with it, I usually relate to those that are great sinners who have wrecked their lives and the lives of those around them—like the Prodigal Son. And like him, I am eternally grateful that the Father not only welcomed me home but ran to meet me.
Almost everyone knows the story of the Prodigal Son. (If you are not one of the "almost everyone", read it in Luke Chapter 15).
As someone in recovery from substance abuse, the mental imagery of a broken, contrite, wayward son coming home in humiliation, expecting to be chastised and maligned, only to be welcomed with open arms and given a place of fellowship and honor resonates deeply with me.
You might also get an on-the-nose sermon about the self-righteous and indignant older brother if your church has a particularly implacable individual who tries to gatekeep the Kingdom of God against those they feel unworthy.
But this parable of Jesus is not really about either one of them—instead, it is about the Father.
It’s important to remember that Jesus didn’t gather a crowd saying, "put down your loaves and fishes, we are going to talk about the Prodigal Son." This was part of an ongoing illustration:
• A man has one hundred sheep, loses one, then leaves the ninty nine to look for the one that is lost.
• A woman has ten pieces of silver, loses one, then lights a candle and scours the whole house until the lost coin is found.
• BOTH the man with the sheep and the woman with the coin rejoice when their lost belongings are found and call their friends and neighbors in to celebrate with them.

I am noticing a theme.

Something is lost. Even though it may seem of little consequence (as they have more to spare), the owner goes to any length necessary to find and reclaim What (who) has been lost.
So, what was the Father’s response to the disrespect of his youngest son demanding his inheritance WHILE THE FATHER WAS STILL ALIVE? He gave it without protest (to both of his sons I might add).
Where was the Father while the son was wasting his inheritance and his life with riotous living? Expectantly watching the horizon for his return.
And when did the Father welcome his son home? On the road, before he even reached home, still disheveled and covered in filth.
The Father didn't even let the son finish his rehearsed speech of how sorry he was or wait for him to clean himself up and make himself fit to sit at the family table. He brought him the BEST robe, clothed him, and put a signet ring on his finger—this let everyone know to whom he belonged and gave him all the privileges of sonship.
You may not have wasted your family’s inheritance and years of your life, following your own passions and almost destroying yourself in the process as I did. But like the Prodigal (and me), you have suffered the consequences of your rebellion against a holy and righteous God that has a place for you, with Him, only to be accepted when your pride is finally exhausted.
I know what we mean when we say that we have "accepted Jesus", but I think more accurately it should be said that He "accepted us"— just as we were—broken, beaten, busted and disgusted, and gave us the best robe—HIS robe of righteousness and restored us to glory and honor with Him.
But what about the older brother who had never left? He had his own episode of wanton disrespect, bemoaning that he did not feel that he had received the recognition that he deserved for his faithfulness. (Jesus always makes sure to step on everyone’s toes in his parables).
The Father reminded him that his place was where it always was, with him. All that the Father had was his. And he was invited to celebrate that his brother had come home.
Whether you identify with the younger son or the older brother, this story is not about you. It’s about a Father, who despite insult, betrayal, rebellion and spite, loved both of his sons and went to any length to have them at his side—even running to meet the younger son when he came home.
Just like he did for you.

You can listen to the message that this article was taken from here: The Prodigal Son. It’s a good message, not because of who is delivering it, but because of whom it is about.