“And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. . . . But the father said to his servants, ‘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 fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”
Luke 15:20, 22–24
One of the most beautiful parables in the Bible is the parable of the father of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11–32). Many commentators call this the parable of the prodigal son. But the real hero of this story is the father and his love for his two sons. It’s a parable that Jesus used to skillfully unveil to us the true heart of our gracious God. It shows how loving our heavenly Father is.
Why should you read the parable of the prodigal son?
Please take a few minutes to read through the full parable. As you read through it, consider this: What is your opinion of God, especially when you’ve made a mistake? Do you see Him as an all-powerful, distant, and unfeeling judge? The one who is angry whenever you fail and who constantly has to be appeased?
Or do you know Him as your Daddy? Your Abba Father whom you can run to anytime, even when you have fallen short? Do you see Him as unwaveringly and patiently waiting for you to return to Him. And then racing down the road to meet you with tears streaming down His face. Also embracing you, and raining His kisses upon you?
As I was studying the Word, the Lord revealed to me that many believers have come to a place where they have forgotten their heavenly Father. They have forgotten about His love, His grace, and His loving-kindness.
Do you see God as your father?
They relate to God in a judicial and transactional fashion. That is they come before Him with apprehension and trepidation, presenting their failings to Him. Then they quickly leave before they get the punishment and condemnation they think they rightly deserve from Him.
They perceive Him exclusively as a God of holiness, judgment, and justice. That is, his face steely and stern, His mighty arms folded in dissatisfaction and disapproval. Equally, they see a God who is easily displeased, quick to anger, perpetually disappointed with them, and waiting impatiently to be placated.
This wrong belief of who God really is has driven many into fear, guilt, depression, and insecurity. And that is why it’s so vital we see the heart of the Father as unveiled by Jesus in this timeless parable.
Beloved, do you see His heart of love for you? There is a vacuum in our hearts that can only be filled by the Father’s love. I believe that if you would allow the Father to come into your heart today and fill you up with His perfect love, you will find the joy, confidence, fulfillment, and freedom that you have been looking for in life.
Read more devotionals by Pastor Joseph Prince, here.
