Parable of the Prodigal Son
Minister: |
Rev. Ronald Van Overloop |
Date: |
6/29/2014 PM
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Text:
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Luke 15:25-32
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Psalters: |
406, 377, 255, 77 |
- The father?s open arms.
- Two brothers raised in the church, given the outward privileges of the proclamation of the truth concerning God.
- The younger son wasted all the privileges he had in his father?s house (13b, 14a).
- The elder son was apparently faithful to his father, but he wanted that known (29).
- The father displayed unchanging and unconditional love.
- The father is pictured as waiting watchfully for his foolish son to come back home.
- God?s love is unchangeable because it is eternal, rooted in God?s own being.
- Those who receive such grace do not become proud nor carnally secure, but humble (Canons V-12).
- They make no excuses, no self-justification, no cover-up, but simply confess: I have sinned against my Father!
- And such have a real sense of unworthiness (19) that he forfeited every right to be a son or even a servant.
- The Father?s love restores us to the full rights of His children: robe, ring, shoes (22,23) (slaves go without sandals).
- This should be the cause of great joy (5,6, 9,10), but the elder brother is angry (28).
- He had been with his father always receiving the privileges of the sphere of the covenant (Rom. 9:4,5).
- His attitude was that of every old man which wants acceptance on the basis of works.
- In his anger he refused to attend the banquet.
- His sin.
- He was not moved by God?s love for Him.
- He was angry at his father?s love for his brother and his repentance.
- Jesus rejoices when sinners are brought to repentance, for He sees the fruit of His terrible suffering.
- But the whole household was rejoicing at the lost being found, a joy also in heaven (7,10).
- The servants (ministers of the gospel) rejoice as well to see what God accomplishes.
- And the whole church is called to participate in this joy as well (6,9).
- While the rejoicing is unselfish and generous, the resentment is very self-centered.
- The joy is because we see God?s purpose in Christ fulfilled, so we are rejoicing in God and His gracious work.
- We also rejoice because is an assurance for ourselves of our salvation, for we are all saved in the same way.
- The joy of the church is expressed in giving thanks to God alone for the depths of His mercy.