Joel M Bradshaw

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! 18I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ 20And 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.21And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22But 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. 23And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.–Luke 15

1. Repentance first started on the inside in his story.
2. Repentance then led outside to getting up and go.
3. The prodigal owned what he needed to own.
4. The prodigal only could control his part of the situation.
5. The father showed grace and joy at his son’ return.
6. This is the only time in the Bible where God is said to run. And it’s running with joy toward a repentant sinner!
7. Though he was willing to be a slave, the prodigal never stopped being a son. Take that, shame!–JMB