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BACK TO THE FATHER

“I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee” — Luke 15:18 (KJV)

The story of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-24 is about a young man full of life and strength and loved by his father. However, he made a bold and dishonourable request; he asked for his share of the inheritance early and his father granted the request. In most cultures, this kind of request is deeply insulting. An inheritance is typically received after a father’s death, so for this younger son to ask for it early was as if he were saying to his father, “I wish you were dead. I don’t want to live under your authority anymore.” This action reveals his selfishness, desire for independence, and the craving to pursue life on his own terms. After that, he travelled to a far country and squandered the inheritance. He later came back to his senses, when the circumstances of life had dealt with him, and he returned to the father.

Many today, like the prodigal son, have ignored God and leaned on their own understanding. They have wasted God’s investment upon their lives and are suffering. The Bible says in Prov. 14:12, “There is a way which seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death”. Human reasoning, intuition or societal norms could be deceptive, leading to destruction.

The story of the prodigal son illustrates the nature of God’s forgiveness and the joy in repentance and reconciliation. Our God is the great shepherd, and He goes after the lost sheep; He won’t forget anyone. There is always an invitation from the father and anyone that comes unto Him, He would not cast away. Jn 6:37. “Return to my heart my beloved children” - this is the father’s cry to welcome home and fellowship with those who have strayed away. We are the very reason He sent His only begotten son to die, so we could reconcile to Him. 2 Cor 5:18-21, Jn 3:16.

If you are like the prodigal son, please come back home. There are so much joy and love waiting for you than you can imagine. He will restore and renew you completely, and you shall have eternal rewards.

Take a step of faith today and come to the father, who has promised to give you a brand-new beginning in all facets of life.
Pastor Olusoji Adedokun
PIC, Christ the Light Zone
APICP (Admin), LP 96 (Region 37)