This Reckless Love of God

While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” But the father said to his slaves, “Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet; and bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.” And they began to celebrate (Luke 15: 20-24)

The world will never be able to comprehend the lesson God is passing across in the parable of the prodigal son. But do you blame them, the father’s response totally conflicts with the justice system of the world which proposes that it’s not just enough that the sinner is remorseful but that he must face the full wrath of justice to serve as a deterrent for future sinners.

Everything the father was doing for the son was exactly the opposite of what what the crowd expected.

Just think about it! Upon his shameful return, the prodigal instantly received all the same rights and privileges as his elder brother, who had never once overtly rebelled the way the prodigal did. It was as if the journey to the far country had never happened.

The father had absorbed blow after humiliating blow from this dishonorable son, and yet he was willing to set the past aside and freely endow this black sheep with every conceivable privilege. There was no waiting period, no proving time, no hoops for the boy to jump through, and no readjustment phase. All the privileges were free and unrestricted. The boy was entering all at once into full-blown sonship at the highest level.

What was the message? We need to remind ourselves that this is a picture of God’s reckless love that chases us down and fights till we are found. It triumphs over every imaginable kind of sin. God saves sinners—including the very worst of sinners. And when He does, He instantly elevates the newly reborn sinner to a position of privilege and blessing that is exceedingly and abundantly beyond anything we could ever ask or think.

So, it doesn’t matter how far you have gone this morning, God is calling you to come home, his arms are wide open waiting to receive you. Don’t delay.