Pastor Izzy from Courageous Church recently chatted to Leah and Dan about the story of the prodigal son. Read what he had to say below.
Jesus tells a story about a father and his two sons. One son boldly asks for his share of the inheritance early. He then runs off and wastes it all on wild living. Soon, he finds himself broke and so hungry he wants to eat the food meant for pigs.
Ashamed and defeated, he decides to return home. But in his heart, he’s made a decision: “I’ll go back as a servant. I’m no longer worthy to be a son.”
But something unexpected happens.
While he’s still a long way off, the father actually runs to his son. He’s ecstatic to see him and embraces him.
Even before the son can finish his apology, the father interrupts. “Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet… For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.”
The father isn’t angry. He’s not bitter. He’s celebrating.
This story offers one powerful truth: our failure doesn’t stop God from being our Father. It just shows how deep His love is.
No matter who you are, we all fall short. But when we come back to God, He’s not sitting there with folded arms and a judgmental stare. He’s running toward us.
If you’ve never come to God, perhaps the picture of Him being angry is something you’ve been told, but it’s not who He’s.
If you’re already a Christian, this is your reminder: no matter how we fall short, nothing will stop us from being His kids.
And if you’ve never known God like this? You were made in His image. God loves you. You are His child. At any point, you can reach out and He’ll embrace you.
No matter how far you’ve wandered, you can come home. And when you do, you’ll find the Father is already running your way.
Listen to Pastor Izzy’s full message below.