Jesus told three parables about the value of a “found” sheep, a “found” coin, then a returning son.

That last parable about was a youngest son who wanted his inheritance – right now.  His father gave his son his share of the inheritance.  Then, not too many days passed, and the son was out of there!  He went to a far distant country and lived a “fast” lifestyle… and spent all of his inheritance.  Then a famine hit that country… he had no money, no food and probably no place to sleep.  He did manage to find a job.  Feeding pigs.  And he was so hungry he would have liked to eat the slop he fed the pigs, leftovers from the kitchen.  Potato peelings, eggshells, food that was thrown out… he gladly would have eaten it.  Luke 15:11-16

One day, he “came to his senses” and thought about his father’s servants… they were well fed and had a bed to sleep in.  He decided to go back to his father’s house.  He didn’t call it his home.  He wasn’t sure he would be recognized as his father’s son.    He also decided the very words he would say to his father, “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; please make me as one of your hired men.” Luke 15:17-19

What happened?  Before he even got close to the house, his father ran to him, hugged him with a manly and fatherly hug, kissing him.  The son opened his mouth and said what he planned to say, except he never got to finish!

“Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son…”  Luke 15:18-21 

What did the compassionate father do and say?  He stopped his son’s speech and called his servants – “quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet; and bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again, he was lost and has been found.”  Luke 15:22-24

And that is exactly what happened!  That is exactly what happens in the life of anyone who turns to Jesus as their Savior.  When you ask to be received by the Father, you will be clothed and given a place in His family and filled with spiritual food.  Celebration!

~ Take it to heart ~

Celebrate!
Rejoice!
Be Thankful!
You are a child of God!
You are a valued member of His family!