Read Luke 15:11-32
The world is busy preparing for a post-COVID-19 life after nearly three months of distancing, isolation, and lockdown. Governments and all departments and authorities of various nations have already discussed and have made plans for a return to normalcy in all aspects of life. This is a good time to evaluate and examine our spiritual restoration and make a proper road map to reach the God-intended destiny with the guidance of the Spirit and the Word of God.
Let us learn the following principles from the parable of the prodigal son as Jesus said in the Gospel of Luke:
- Realization. (Luke 15:14-17). Reality hit the selfish, stubborn, younger son who left the Father’s house with his wealth, as he “began to be in want”. The source of his security was the wealth he has been given by the father. In the father’s house there was no shortage of anything, and a surplus of food, approval, and recognition. When we are shaken of our earthly and material source and security, we will be woken up to reality.
- Resolution. (Luke 15:18). Life is full of resolutions and we live or die because of the effects of our decisions and action. When the young man lost all his wealth, friends, and dignity and honor, he came to the realization and made a resolution. “I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him…”. This is a genuine resolution made by the young man who was longing for restoration after the life of poverty, awkwardness, and waste of years.
- Repentance (Luke 15:18,21). True repentance is an act of the mind and the heart with practical action. It is coming to the senses and turning away (walking away) from the destructive and sinful ways and turning towards (walking towards) the paths of righteousness and to the Father’s House. He was deeply sorry enough to quit his bad and wrong ways and to make a journey in the right way.
- Return (Luke 15:20). Full restoration requires a practical action of actually walking towards the destiny God has prepared for us. “And he arose and came to his father”. This is a remarkable thing as the prodigal son is making a journey all by himself towards the father’s house. Some repent and remain where they were. Then repent again and remain again. The endless cycle of sorry and sin, sorry, and sin again goes on. There must be a clean break from the past and arise from those old wretched lifestyle and walk to the place where our needs are fully met, that is the Father’s House.
- Reunion (Luke 15:20). The father of the prodigal son did not wait to hear the confession of his wayward son as he returned. “When he was still a great way off, his father saw him…. and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him”. The father was so compassionate that he ran out to meet his lost son who has made his way back. This reunion must have been very emotional: relationship restored with an embrace and welcome by the father with open arms. Heaven is waiting for repentant sinners to return and be reunited with the Saviour.
- Reception (Luke 15:22-25). There was a great party at the father’s house like the prodigal returned. The servants are bringing the best robe, a ring, and sandals to celebrate the reunion. There was a big scrumptious meal prepared and all began to rejoice with music and dance as the son has come back home after many years of being lost. There will be greater joy in heaven among the angels over a sinner who repents and accepts Christ as the Saviour.
- Restoration (Luke 15:24). “For this, my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found” were the words of the father who is overjoyed due to the restoration of his lost son. To be fully restored is to bring back and place the item that was lost or damaged in its original glory and privilege. It is to bring back a person who has walked away from the home and reunited and reconcile and to establish the original condition of communion and fellowship.
The COVID-19 has brought a lot of damages to health, businesses, and daily normal life. Distancing has caused inconveniences to travel, family get together, church, and other social functions where we renew our social and spiritual strength. Whether the post lock down days will restore matters or not, the Christian is sure of one thing that God is a restorer of life. Let us follow the road map to the full restoration in Him.
Pastor Joe Kurian
Add Your Comment