Far From Home part 3

Luke 15:11–12 (ESV): 11 And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them.
The younger son was grasping for his share ahead of the normal timing. The inheritance was usually distributed after the death of the father. The son was essentially saying, “you are worth more to me dead than alive.”
Where does a “prodigal” begin?
The roots of our rebellion go all the way back to the garden.
We are all rebels: Isaiah 53:6 (ESV): All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned—every one—to his own way;
Characteristics of a prodigal
  • A prodigal is irresponsible and independent
  • A prodigal sees himself as a misunderstood victim
  • A prodigal manipulates with the threat of leaving
Luke 15:13 (ESV): Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living.
(“Prodigal” really means excessive. characterized by profuse or wasteful expenditure : lavish)
What do prodigals want?
  • Choices without consequences
  • Autonomy without accountability
  • Leaving without hurt, loss or difficulty
Riding the prodigal roller-coaster (emotions experienced by those close to the prodigal)
  • Anger
  • Shame and guilt
  • Hopelessness
  • Fear
What are usual responses to prodigals?
  • Accommodation
  • Enablement
  • Appeasement
How should we respond?
  • With a love that is strong enough to name their sinful rebellion
  • With a love that is courageous enough to enforce consequences
  • With a love that is enduring enough to absorb their anger and expose their lies
  • With a love that is resilient enough to forgive
  • With a love that believes enough to pray boldly
  • With a love that only comes from God

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