Lost and Found, Part 2
Text: Luke chapter 15: 11-24
During the month of November 2001 we studied this subject of Lost and Found taken from Luke chapter 15. In the introduction we stated that in Luke chapter 15, our Lord Jesus Christ spoke of three parables, and that a parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning, or a Photograph of a real person or thing, and from the three parables in the chapter we can see the three persons of the Godhead or the Triune God and our relationship to Him.
While in the month of November we considered the parable of the Lost Sheep, this month of February 2002 we would like to consider the parable of the Lost Son, known as The Prodigal son.
1-The perfect relations of the son Vs. 11-12. He was first at home with the family, so we think of family relationship and fellowship, which generally speaks of happy experiences in the life of a young person, and many of us can testify to this fact. As to our relationship with God we think of man whom He created. Genesis. 1: 27, Ecclesiastes 7:29 we read God created man upright, and therefore man in the Garden of Eden had a good relationship and fellowship with God.
2- The Undesirable separation of the son. Vs 12-16. He took the action for separation, he said give me the portion of goods that falleth to me., He took his portion and went into a far country, and when he had spent all, he joined himself to a citizen of that country, and accepted an undesirable job, that of feeding swine or pigs. Now he must eat the same food with the pigs. Now he was from riches to rags. Sin separates. Roman 5.12: By one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin, and so death passed upon all men for all have sinned. Romans 3.23 For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Therefore we see that each one of us was born in a state of separation from a holy God as far as fellowship and communion are concerned or Adam sinned and because we are all descendants of Adam we all have sinned, and will remain in that state of separation until provision is made for us and we receive that provision by faith.
In Luke 2.10-11 the Angels said unto the shepherds Fear Not, what a word of comfort, behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour which is Christ the Lord. God made provision to meet man's separation.
3- The Right Intention of the son. Vs. 17-19. He came to himself and said how many hired servants of my father have bread enough and to spare and I perish with hunger, I will arise and go to my father, and acknowledge my sins. He acknowledge his condition, he considered His father's house, and he realized he cannot remain in his present situation if blessings are to be a reality in his life, so we see.
4- The Immediate Action of the son. VS. 20A: And He Arose and went to his father.
5- The True Confession of the son Vs. 21. He took his rightful place, He acknowledged his sins, He did what he had purpose to do -he confessed
"There's a way back to God, from the dark paths of sin
There's a door that is open and we may go in,
From Calvary's Cross is where we begin,
When we come as a sinner to Jesus."
6- The Unending Reception for the son: Vs. 20b,22-24. The Best Robe, the One Ring, The Pair of Shoes. The Fatted Calf. An they began to be merry, but we never read that this reception ended. As we come to God by faith, accepting the death, burial and resurrection Our Lord Jesus Christ as the only means for our salvation, Acts. 4.12, He gives us a warm welcome with an Unending Relationship with Him and unlimited supplies of His grace. The Best Robe - We are clothed with God's righteousness. The One Ring, As there is no ending in a ring, so our salvation is unending, this is used as an allegory in marriage ceremonies. The Pair of Shoes, both for walking and protection against defilement. Our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, Ephesian, 6.15, and Sin shall not have dominion over us Romans 6; 14. In God's salvation provision has been made so that we can live a progressive, victorious Christian life. The Fatted Calf- Unlimited Supplies in Wisdom, knowledge and also material things, for He gives us richly all things to enjoy 1 Timothy 6. 17b. The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want Psalm 23.1.
If you have not as yet receive Christ as your Saviour we urge you to do so now, for as you and I know that we are living in perilous times, and eternity lies ahead, David said " There is a steps between me and death 1 Samuel 20: 3b, and It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the Judgment. Hebrews. 9:27
" When a sinner comes as a sinner may
There is Joy, There is Joy,
When he turns to God in the Gospel Way
There is Joy, There is Joy.
There is joy among the angels, and their harp with music ring.
When a Sinner comes repenting, Bending low before the King."