Letting Go

There can come a time when dealing with a prodigal that we have to let them go. In Pastor John’s words, “But ultimately, we must love them enough to let them go, trusting a Sovereign God to accomplish his purpose in their rebellion and wandering.”

Not the end of the story

Luke 15:17 (ESV): 17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger!

Luke 15:18–19 (ESV): 18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.” ’

(Though the son has begun his journey back, he still wants to dictate the terms of his return.)

But what did the father do?

He has three options according to the law and customs of the day

• Stone him
• Disown him
• Make him a slave

Instead:

Luke 15:20 (ESV): And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.

Luke 15:22–24 (ESV): the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.

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