New Beginnings... The Prodigal Son

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A story which we've read time and time again, is that of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11 - 24).

 

Tonight, I invite you to read that story again, but instead let's focus just a little on the Father of the Prodigal Son... We'll call him Papa *smiles*

 

Papa had two sons, an older son and Junior.  After a while, Junior comes to Papa and asks that Papa gives him the share of property that belongs to him.

 

Let's pause: in Israel, dividing property among sons was only done upon the death of the Father.  Can you imagine how hurt, angry and bewildered Papa must have felt at this request? But he honoured it.

 

To make matters worse, a few days later, Junior packs up his belongings and all his cattle, money, servants etc and heads off to a distant land.

 

Again, let's reflect: First, Junior effectively declared his father dead and then he leaves him without a backward glance.  Papa must have been heart broken at this.

 

And thus began Papa's season of "waiting".  What was he waiting for? He was waiting for the return of his son.  The Bible doesn't record how long he waited for but what I find commendable is that when the boy eventually came back home (maybe a few years later), Papa sighted him from afar.

 

This means Papa was actively waiting. Papa had faith that Junior would come home. Papa had been preparing a fatted calf. Papa knew that one day his waiting would come to an end and then, it would be time for a celebration! That is FAITH!

 

Food for thought: Do you truly believe that your miracle will come to pass? Are you actively waiting for it? Have you set the stage for it to come? Do you profess that it will come? Are your spiritual eyes sighting your miracle on the horizon? Are you ready to celebrate?

 

James 1: 6 -8 says that if we're asking God for anything, we must "ask with faith, without doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that.... he will receive anything from the Lord"

 

As you go to bed/wake up/round up from work, say a little prayer asking God to increase your faith and to prepare you spiritually, as well as physically to receive your New Beginning!

 

Jesus said "stay awake, watch and pray..." [Mathew 26:41a] I have nothing further to add!

 

God bless you!