“My son,’ the father said, `you are always with me, and everything I have is yours” (Luke 15:31).
Before attempting to understand Luke’s chapter 15 with its three parables, we need to “set our feet on a firm foundation”.
Generally speaking, a firm foundation is designed to support whatever is being built on it. A firm foundation also, delimits the safe boundaries that will contain the building.
In our case the “firm foundation” on which we’ll build our understanding of the three parables is expressed by Jesus Himself (Luke 15:7 and 10).
The “firm foundation” on which we ought to build our understanding of these three parables is this, “there is rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents”. This is the main idea that comes from these parables.
Two thoughts emerge from these three parables:
1. Repentance on earth triggers rejoicing in heaven!
Every time a sinner repents creates ripples that reach heaven.
2. There is no place to hide, when God is searching.
-The sheep got lost…but it could not hide…not for long;
-The coin got lost…but it could not hide;
-The son got carried away…got “lost” but even he could not hide.
Who found him?
His misery and hunger? His ever-empty stomach? The awful smell of pigs?
OK, his belly remembered the bread…but his senses…his right mind remembered the wrong/sin…not only remembered but was convicted by it.
Who is the One who convicts the world of its sin? The Holy Spirit.
God found him – there is no place to hide when God is searching!
The second part of the parable too, has a happy ending. It is not celebratory as the ending of the first part but needs to be celebrated.
It is a celebration for us to have! God’s love is steadfast! Pastor Alois