TEXT:
LUKE 15:1-24
TOPIC:
THE FATHER’S HEART
The topic shall be discussed with the following
sub-heading:
·
Introduction
·
Meaning
·
Foreword
·
The analysis of lost sheep, coin and son
·
The Father
·
Conclusion
Introduction
The intention of this chapter
of scripture (majorly a parable)is Jesus’s reaction meant to correct the
hypocrisy/wickedness in the name of keeping the law by the Pharisees and the
teachers of the law, this negative attitude is evident by their disposition
towards Jesus (who was busy fulfilling mandate) in the first two verses Acts
15:1-2, however it needs to be reiterated that they did not believe in Jesus
(the fulfilment of the law they thought/professed they were keeping Matt
5:17-20)hence should not have been bothered by who He associates with but were
on a fault finding spree, they should have been more cautious as Jesus came to
seek and save that which was lost and that he did. Luke 19:10.
Meaning
Father
Father: according to
oxford advance learner’s dictionary international student’s edition 8th
edition defines father as follows:
·
To create something new
·
A male parent
·
The title of a priest especially in
Roman catholic
·
A term used by Christians to refer to
God-for this study this is more in line.
Foreword
Who is involved in a
wrong thing, the number of people doing same the tenure with which this has
been done cannot make it right.
God (our father in
heaven) will never impose good/right on us even though we were created,
sustained catered for by Him. Joshua 24:15, Rev. 3:20.
The
analysis of the lost sheep, coin and son
Their situation: they
were all lost.
Their contribution: the
coin is not likely to have contributed to its loss. The sheep can contribute a
little rather than being totally responsible for its loss, while the son in the
passage is solely responsible for his loss).
Their reaction: The
coin could not do anything about the situation, the sheep also could not do
much except maybe just bleat, and the son came to his mind and retraced his
step. (While looking/praying in humility unto God for solution we need to take
responsibility for our predicament)
The
father’s heart
·
He answered his request even when it was
wrong: asking for a portion of inheritance while the father is still living is
wrong but he consented to know what is in the son’s heart, to give the son a
chance for reorientation/reshaping, repentance and reconciliation. Vs.12.
·
He was expecting the son’s return even
while he was wallowing in disobedience, hence he ran to meet him on the
shortest information Vs. 20.
·
He forgave the son sincerely and
totally. Vs. 21-22.
·
He welcomed him in love and celebrated
him. Vs. 22-24.
Conclusion
Whether we were/are
lost in any form like the sheep/coin or son, The father’s arm which is the
solution is widely opened and is waiting for our return from disobedience,
immorality ,oppression of the devil, idolatry, fetish practices, wickedness,
addictions and all forms of sin. Jesus in knocking, calling and waiting for our
return to succour. Rev 3:20.This is the state of the father’s heart,
Shalom.
For
we know in part……
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