Monday, May 11, 2009

Journey Series, "Open Arms" - Part 1


There isn't a better story in all the Bible that depicts this truth like the parable of the prodigal son found in Luke 15:11. It's interesting that this story is really the journey of two brothers.

The younger brother asked for his inheritance (which according to the custom of that day, he was allowed to do) and squandered it. His journey reveals three things to me:

The younger brother had...
  1. Empty finances
  2. Empty stomach
  3. Empty soul
The empty finances represent the times we squander God's blessings in our own lives. So always try to give God his portion (10%) and then pay yourself a portion (10%). Then you will be prepared for the lean times.

His empty stomach brought him to the point of hanging out with pigs and even considering eating with them. This shows the depth of his hunger and desperation. No good Jewish boy would be caught dead around pigs who were considered unclean. When you make a bad decision, don't blame God for it. The choices you make now are always outcomes later.

And his empty soul is obvious. Scripture says, "he came to his senses... I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you'" (vv. 17,18). He realized that everything he needed was right there before him all the time. Everything he ever needed was at home with his father.

Is it time to go home and back to your Heavenly Father? You will find Him welcoming you with "Open Arms" (v. 20).

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