The story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15 is a story about a great celebration. The celebration occurred for at least three reasons:
1.The son had a change of heart.
2.The son desired a changed life.
3.The son regained a relationship with his father.
The Prodigal son had been dislocated from a life of celebration in his father’s house because he wanted to live life on his own, apart from the father. His older brother was dislocated from the father during the celebration out of hurt and anger. Here is the point: People get dislocated from God for lots of reasons. Some, like the younger brother, want to try to run their lives their own way apart from the guidance of God. Some, like the older brother, get hurt and angry over something that happens to them. Sometimes the hurt and anger are about a person. Sometimes they are about a circumstance. Both brothers represent all of us at times. We may have our “reasons” for leaving the Father’s house, but the reality is when we go our own way either out of arrogance or offense, we are missing the party.
It doesn’t matter who we are, where we have been or what we have done. It doesn’t even matter how long we have been away. When God throws a party everyone is welcome and everyone is wanted. You only have to want a change of heart, a change of life, and a relationship with your Heavenly Father who can’t wait to celebrate you.
Pastor Melissa
