Luke 15 (5)

Pray Psalm 33.13-17.
The LORD looks from heaven;
He sees all the sons of men.
From the place of His dwelling He looks
On all the inhabitants of the earth;
He fashions their hearts individually;
He considers all their works.
No king is saved by the multitude of an army;
A mighty man is not delivered by great strength.
A horse is a vain hope for safety;
Neither shall it deliver any by its great strength.

Sing Psalm 33.13-17.
(Truro: Shout, for the Blessed Jesus Reigns)
God from His throne looks down on men; He knows our works and made our hearts.
Let not Your Church, let none depend on strength or skill or human arts.

Read Luke 15.1-24; meditate on verses 17-24.

Preparation
1. What did the young man decide to do?

2. How did his father respond?

Meditation
The prodigal son “came to himself” (v. 17). That is, he finally saw the folly of his choices, the desperation of his situation, and a way of rescue that he hoped might avail for him.

What does it take for someone, wallowing in folly, to come to themselves? Failure, hardship, want, taking stock of oneself, conviction of sin or folly, an awareness of one’s inadequacy and hopelessness? Coming to himself, the prodigal suddenly realized the mess he’d made of his life, and he remembered the home he had spurned and forsaken (v. 17). He resolved to return, repentant and humbled, seeking only that he might be a servant of his father, not a son (vv. 18, 19). This looks like repentance (v. 21), although we still sense a certain element of self-seeking (v. 17). Repentance doesn’t make us perfect, but it’s a step in the right direction.

He took the next steps of faith to return to his father (v. 20). But his father saw him coming and ran to receive and embrace him, covering him with compassion and calling for a celebration of his return (recall v. 10). I get the sense that the father was expecting him, looking for him, waiting patiently for him to come to himself and come home. So our heavenly Father ever watches over us, always ready to cover us with compassion when we come to Him in faith.

Jesus is continuing to reveal the true nature of our seeking and saving God. He comes after us, lights the way for us come to Him, sweeps out the sins that hinder fellowship with Him, waits patiently for us to see our need, and races to embrace and renew us when we come to Him in faith. This is our Father, and Jesus is the Robe with which He wraps us, the best Robe with which we could ever be clothed (Rom. 13.14).

Treasures Old and New: Matthew 13.52; Psalm 119.162
I can remember, as a child, waiting for extended periods of time while my parents remained upset over some infraction I had committed. Or as a spouse, the ponderous time from the onset of a disagreement until all is well again. Time moves through molasses. It is an uncomfortable span.

Not so with this father. Look at the fast-moving pace of this transaction: “When he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him” (Lk. 15.20). And then the father’s words to “quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him” (Lk. 15.22).

God never replies to those asking for forgiveness: “Hmmm. Just a minute. Let Me think about it.” Or “Hang on. I’ve got one more thing to do and then I’ll consider it.” Or “You know, what you did was pretty rotten. I’ll have to mull it over and get back to you.”

When we come to Him, as this young son did to his father, and ask for forgiveness, “He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 Jn. 1.9). Right then. On the spot. All we need to do is be concise, sincere, and determined to change. “For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight…purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me hear joy and gladness…create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Ps. 51.3, 4, 7, 10).

In the parables about the lost sheep and coin, those items were merely lost. This story ratchets it up another notch to add death. As the father proclaimed with joy: “let us be merry; for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found” (Lk. 15.24).

“Seek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near.
Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts;
let him return to the LORD, and He will have mercy on him;
and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon” (Is. 55.6, 7).

“Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God; He will come and save you” (Is. 35.4).

Running quickly to cover you with compassion, forgiveness, and love.

For reflection
1. How does knowing God watches constantly over you affect the way you live each day?

2. What is the role of the Holy Spirit in helping you “come to yourself” (Jn.16.8-11)? Is this something you experience often?

3. Paul says we should “put on” the Lord Jesus Christ. What does that require of you?

The prodigal arose, nor stopped till he reached his home. Thus the repenting sinner resolutely quits the bondage of Satan and his lusts, and returns to God by prayer, notwithstanding fears and discouragements. The Lord meets him with unexpected tokens of his forgiving love. Matthew Henry (1662-1714), Commentary on Luke 15.17-25

Pray Psalm 33.18-22.
Thank the Lord, that He watches over you continually, provides for your daily needs, shields you against sin and harm, and has mercy upon you in your failings.

Sing Psalm 33.18-22.
(Truro: Shout, for the Blessed Jesus Reigns)
God watches those who fear His Name, who hope upon His grace and love.
He keeps their souls from death and shame who trust in Him Who reigns above.

God is our Helper and our Shield; upon us let Your grace descend!
We hope in You; to You we yield; we trust in Jesus to the end.

T. M. and Susie Moore

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Except as indicated, all Scriptures are taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. For sources of all quotations, see the weekly PDF of this study. All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter (Williston: Waxed Tablet Publications, 2006), available by clicking here.