July 31, 2022 . . .

(NOTE: We would like to thank Brother Dewayne Daugherty as our guest pastor for today’s Homecoming sermon)

“The Forgiveness of the Father” or “A Look at the Father’s Perspective of the Prodigal Son”

Luke 15:11-24 gives us the well-known story of a younger son who probably felt that living in his older brother’s shadow was getting old, so he asked the father for his inheritance so he could strike out on his own. The loving father was willing to give his child whatever he wanted even though he knew that it might not be what was best for him. When things went bad for the young man, he knew that his father would at least treat him better than the world had. He remembered his father’s compassion for his servants and that he would gladly live at least as good as they did. Meekly returning home, the young man was welcomed with open arms, a robe, a ring, and the best food. The son was lost and was found. Forgiveness and rejoicing were abundant. When Jesus told this parable, he wanted to convey to His followers that God, our Father, is the same. We so often fall short of what He wants for us, knowing that, when we strike out on our own, we will likely make many mistakes. But He always wants what is best for us and takes us back with joy. Our Father in heaven loves us and always accepts us back. Coming home to our Lord is a true homecoming worth celebrating!