This message explored the profound truth found in Luke 15 - the parable of the prodigal son - and what it means for us today. We examined how Jesus used three decreasing ratios (1 in 100, 1 in 10, 1 in 2) to help us understand that being lost isn't just someone else's problem - it's personal. The message revealed that no matter how far we've wandered, no matter what we've done, God doesn't just wait for us to return - He runs toward us to cover us with His love and protection. This year, our church is focused on one powerful word: HOME. We're calling prodigals home and preparing a place that feels like home.
Takeaways:
• Redemption Always Wins: What you have lost doesn't take away from who you are. God's faithfulness isn't based on your faithfulness - He remains faithful regardless. When we come to Him, He replaces our shame with honor, our insignificance with authority, and our bondage with freedom.D
• God Runs to Cover You: The father in the parable didn't just run to embrace his son - he ran to cover him from the stones of judgment that the law demanded. This is the heart of our Father: protective, compassionate, and eager to restore relationship rather than enforce punishment.
• It's Time to Invite Our City Home: We each have prodigals in our lives - friends, family members, brothers and sisters who've walked away from church or faith. This year, we're putting three names on cards, praying for them by name, and preparing a space where they can return. The answer to their "but you don't know what I've done" is simply: redemption wins.
I encourage you to take time this week to write down those three names of people you know who need to come home. Pray for them daily. And when God opens the door, be ready to say, "Why don't you just come back?"
Let's believe together for prodigals to return home this year.
