I am reading a book called the Prodigal God. My Dad gave it to me this past thanksgiving. The title bothered me at first because my definition of “prodigal” is mostly understood through the lens of the “prodigal son” found in the New Testament. However, the definition of prodigal actually is: 1. Recklessly extravagant 2. Having spent everything. When I think of God, His love, and His grace. I can’t imagine a better description of how He views his creation. I think of my life, the grace that God has given, this definition and I can’t help but smile.
The question that the book raises however is, has the Church become the older brother in the story of the prodigal son? In case you don’t know, in the story the younger brother takes his inheritance early, leaves, and spends it all. He comes back to his father, hoping to work as a servant for his father because of the shame he has brought on his family. However, the father runs to the son and hugs him. He then proceeds to throw a huge party for his son. The older son is upset and feels cheated. He did everything right, he was faithful, and he never brought shame to his family. I bet the older brother had questions like:
Where is my party?
Why do we have to celebrate the return of a fool?
Why is my father so forgiving?
The point is, the heart of God, his position towards his children, and love for mankind is recklessly extravagant and having spent everything by sending his son for our sins.
My prayer is that I will be a prodigal and not an older brother to those who come back to God.