Matthew Nath – Author

Part 1

	To many of us, the story of the prodigal son is a very familiar parable from Jesus.  A parable so common, even most secular or unbelieving people I know could probably tell at least the basics of the story.  That’s what is so amazing about the parables to me, they are so simple that everyone can understand them.  Everyone can think of people in their lives who behaved like that son.  Maybe not so extreme that they were eating literal pig slop, but someone who took all the blessings their parents gave them and squandered them on vain pursuits of this world.
	If you haven’t read it recently, read it again before you continue to refamiliarize yourself with it.  I know, it isn’t really fair of me to give you homework, but I recently heard a pastor say that if you aren’t actually reading the word of God, truly studying your Bible, at least 4 times a week, there is not much spiritual growth.  He called it the rule of four.  So, consider this your chance to add a day this week and read Luke 15 verses 11-32.  I’ll even do it myself.  Did you do it?  Well I can’t know for sure but we can both be sure God knows. 
	Alright, a familiar tale about a rebellious son who pours everything he has into finding pleasure and success in this world.  When I look back on my options out of high school, I relate very strongly to this man.  Give up your family, give up your friends, give up your connections to this town and go try to make your own way.  Find your passion, find your interest, experience whatever you can in this world while you can.  Sounds pretty great, right?
	We are shown how valuable pursuits of this world are when separate from God.  Within a sentence, the rebellious son has squandered everything.  Then God sends him trouble.  A famine comes over the land and the son needs help.  And he finds nothing to support him.  He was forced to sell himself into slavery, just to eat the leftovers from the pigs.  He comes to his senses, realizes he’s not alone, and remembers the love of his father.  How many of us are still eating slop, ignoring the blessings that our Father has for us?
	He repents.  This is the most important part.  He doesn’t hold on to the things of this world.  He returns humbled and ready to serve.  This is something I deeply relate to.  I tried to pursue the things of this world and nothing held up except the things of God.  I rebelled in almost any way that I could, seeking to find my own success; provide my own life; do what I wanted to do and not what God had gifted me to do.  I hurt my family, hurt my friends, and hurt my community.  And when I turned back to Him and humbly asked to serve, He RAN to me.
	The father in the parable runs to his son, meets him with open arms, and pours blessings on him.  His son was dead and is alive again. All is forgiven and he is welcomed home to a feast.  This is the Jesus I know.  A savior who pursues.  A shepherd who wants every single one of his sheep to come home.  He celebrates with every soul saved, no matter how far they have strayed.  No matter how much damage they have done or how much pain they have caused.  When they return humbled, ready to serve and love, he runs to them.  He pursues them and meets them where they are.  The Spirit does the rest.
	The most interesting part to me, though, is the older son.  The religious son.  A cautionary tale perhaps that is often overlooked.  Or at least it was for me until recently.  We’ll meet him next time.