Prodigal: A person who spends money in a recklessly extravagant way.
In this story, Jesus explains the true relationship between Father God and those Christian believers who, for whatever reason, decide to walk away from their close fellowship with the Father. Many people, including some Believers, see Father God as a mighty, powerful God who, if displeased and/or angry with you, will rain down fire, lighting bolts, sicknesses, and terrible situations into your life.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
In this story, a father has two sons. The younger son decides he wants to leave home. He asks his father for his share of the inheritance. Within a few days of receiving the money he leaves. His plan is to have a wild time with “wine, women and song” (not necessarily in that order!). When his money runs out, and all his “friends” leave him, he is reduced to feeding pigs on a farm. But in one of his darkest moments, a “Holy Light shines through” and he sees clearly how foolish and self-centered he has been. He resolves to go home and say ”Father I have sinned against Heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your servants.”
And so he starts home. His father, full of love for his missing son, has been standing in the doorway of his house every day, or at least two years, ( The story says that a famine had developed during the time the son was gone, Famines take a minimum of two years to happen.)
Finally the father sees his son on the distant horizon. Does he stand there thinking “I will only forgive him if he comes, bowing and scraping before me?”
Absolutely not!!
Jesus says that the father runs , tears in his eyes, and hugs and kisses his son. The scene is the picture of immense joy. The son who had been lost is now found !!!
And in this same way Father God reacts to any prodigal who has left and then returns. If that person truly repents and has a change of heart, (more on this concept later), Father God will run to them and lovingly embrace them and welcome them back home…