Readings for today: 1 Samuel 20-21, Luke 15:11-32
I’ve read this story a thousand times. The story of the prodigal son is one of my favorites in all the Bible. Probably because I am the prodigal. I’ve been a drunk. I’ve engaged in all kinds of lustful behavior. I’ve been lazy and flunked out of school. I’ve lied to everyone I love. I’ve lived a double life. I’ve been arrogant and prideful. I’ve been selfish and vain. I’ve chased money and possessions. I’ve been blind to my own prejudices and biases. And I wish I could say I’ve grown beyond such sinful behaviors but the honest truth is they remain, lurking down deep in the depths of my heart.
For years, I believed the answer to my problem lay in self-discipline. After I came to know Christ, I fought hard to change these deep-seated patterns of behavior. I memorized Scripture. I went faithfully to worship every single Sunday. I did my daily quiet time with the Lord. I sought out accountability from my brothers in Christ. I prayed my heart out for God to change me. And I grieved every time I fell into sin. I was judgmental of myself and others. I was quick to condemn people for even the littlest mistakes. It was black or white for me with just about everything. There was so little grace in my life. Looking back, I realize now I had simply flipped to the other side of the coin. I had become a Pharisee. And I wish I could say I’ve grown beyond such sinful attitudes but the honest truth is they remain, lurking down deep in the depths of my heart.
Then a few years ago, I found myself focusing on the father in this story. I marveled at how he listened without bitterness or resentment or any apparent hurt to his younger son’s request. He knew his son was basically telling him he wished he were dead. He knew fulfilling his younger son’s request would impoverish the family. He knew what it would cost to let his younger son go and still he shows him grace. I marveled as well at his treatment of the older son. The one who did everything right. The one who remained faithful on the outside but on the inside was burning up with anger and hatred. He knew what it would cost if his older son refused to embrace his brother. He knew how it would impoverish the family and threaten their future together. And still he shows him grace. I marveled yet more at how the father runs to both his sons. Meeting them where they were at. Refusing to be separated from them in their shame. He embraces each of them in turn. Reaffirming his love for them. Reaffirming their place in the family. He simply will not let them go.
Friends, true freedom is not found in chasing every desire. True freedom is not found in exercising strict self-control. True freedom can only be found in the Father’s love. It is His love and grace that sets us free. It is His Son who breaks the power of sin in our lives through His death on the cross. And it is His Spirit who goes to work transforming us from the inside out. No matter where you find yourself today - playing the Prodigal or the Pharisee - may you place your trust in the God who loves them both with all His heart.
Readings for tomorrow: Samuel 22-23, Luke 16:1-13