The story of the prodigal son’s dad is really incredible. The love and forgiveness he had was so instantaneous that we could definitely take a few lessons.
If you are not familiar, one of two sons asked for his share of his inheritance early; left home; and squandered what he had received on wild living.
The dad of these sons, first of all, gave as his son had asked of him. I don’t see any indication of a lecture; however, I am guessing his dad knew in his heart that his son wasn’t making a wise decision. I would also imagine that he did possibly advise him otherwise; but as the scripture tells, the son packed up and went on his merry way.
…merry until…until the money was gone and famine hit the land. He was left with nothing and found himself to be hungry. He recognized that his dad had guys working for him that had much better living conditions than he did at the current time. So he decided to go back home to ask his dad for a job. He understood his mistakes and would repent; and if his dad would have him, he would work for him. He didn’t expect to be treated as he had before…as a son. So…he headed home.
As he approached, his dad spotted him, still a ways away. Now, let’s pause here for a second…
If this were my son, or your son, what would we be thinking? First, how would we have been feeling while he was gone? Upset? Worried? Angry? All of the above? But now, we see him afar off, heading toward home. We don’t know how long this prodigal had been gone, but he was on his way back.
I can imagine relief and excitement; but would there still be anger at him for leaving? …anger upon the realization that he squandered all you had given him?
This dad showed no anger…he got extremely excited. He ran to him with love and compassion! He hugged and kissed him. This son told his dad that he had done wrong and was no longer worthy to be called his son.
This is the part of the story that I want to emphasize…that dad didn’t hesitate. He didn’t tell his son that he would have to think it over. He didn’t tell his son that he would have to prove himself before he was accepted—no—instead, he called for a celebration!! A celebration that his son was home…alive, and well!! His son was lost and had now been found. In that father’s heart of his, his son had been dead and was now alive! It was time to celebrate!
When someone tells us that they have accepted Jesus as their savior, they are the same as the prodigal son, and it is time to celebrate! They have been dead and are now alive…they were lost and are now found!
May we urgently learn from this dad who instantly showed love and compassion—and was in celebration mode! May we never discourage the one who has “confessed with their mouths” that Jesus is living in their heart, or that they have been saved. We need to take this serious matter seriously, and be a waterer—an encourager! Pray for them and help them, but don’t make them prove themselves in your eyes.
We as humans can be so critical. If we aren’t careful, we can expect a baby to eat steak and run; when in reality, they may need a little extra care and guidance. And, they definitely need celebrated.
“So Jesus told them this story: “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!”
Luke 15:3-7 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/luk.15.4-7.NLT
Rejoice with new Christians.
Pray for them.
Encourage them.
Celebrate them!
In Acts, Phillip told the Good News of Jesus to a man riding in a chariot…a stranger that he had never met before, and never saw after; however, during that conversation, the man accepted the Good News of Jesus and wanted to be baptized. Like the prodigal son’s dad, Phillip didn’t wait for the man to prove himself and his walk; but he embraced that he had accepted The Good News, and they got out of the chariot and the man was baptized. The scripture says that the man “went on his way rejoicing.” May we never, EVER, take that from someone.
“Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing.”
Acts 8:35-36, 38-39 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/act.8.35-39.ESV
I understand that after a time, we should see growth and works, but God sees the heart—from the start…to the finish.
So, unless we are in a position that calls for specific disciplinary actions to be taken (which we won’t discuss here today), let’s be like the dad of the prodigal…
Let’s immediately show love and compassion…
Let’s accept and encourage…
Let’s celebrate!!
“because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.””
Romans 10:9-11 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.10.9-11.ESV
I encourage you to read the full story on the prodigal son found in Luke 15, verses 11-32; and the full story of Phillip in Acts 8:26-40.
Simply Celebrate With Jackie 