Joel M Bradshaw

3He who loves wisdom makes his father glad, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.–Proverbs 29

This proverb links with a parable of Jesus.

So let your mind travel to Jesus telling the parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15. His crowd WAS WITH this proverb. The older son in the parable was this proverb, too. All were expecting the Father in the story to treat the disrespectful, squandering son like he deserved.

But here’s the thing. Grace is never deserved. It is always God’s love shown to the undeserving. So read how it all went down in Luke 15. Read the son’s repentance moment and the father’s response. It’s the only time in Scripture where God runs.

17“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20So he got up and went to his father.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

21“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

22“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

A son making wise choices makes a father glad. But a son repenting of his evil and returning to God, makes dad CELEBRATE.

We are that son. Grace is always undeserved. That first century crowd needed to hear that story told. This 21st century crowd does, too. Thank you, Jesus.–JMB