Text: Luke 15:17–32

Why THE Father is so awesome in this parable and in real life:

1. Sometimes God sends adversity our way to bring us clarity about Him and us.
(Scottish proverb: Some lessons are better felt than telt)

• 1 Peter 5:10 (NASB) 10After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.
  
• Romans 5:3 – 4 (NASB) 3And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;
  
• Job 6:24 “Teach me, and I will be silent; make me understand how I have gone astray.”
  
• Job 34:32 “Teach me what I do not see; if I have done iniquity, I will do it no more.”
  

2. God will forgive your sins and restore you like it never happened. (15:22)

• As long as you have life you have hope. (15:17)
• Luke 23:39-42 = ”The Man in the middle” thief on the cross.

What his Father did: Luke 15:19 – 28 (NASB)

But while he was still a long way off (hoping)

his father saw him (looking)

his father felt compassion for him (relieved)

his father ran. his father embraced him. his father kissed him

his father did not allow him to finish his speech. Son’s actions said it all.

His father ordered his servants: ‘Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet;

His father brought the fattened calf. His father said let us eat and celebrate; his father came out and began pleading with the elder son, because he became angry and was not willing to go in;

3. Don’t allow arrogance, piety and self-righteousness to keep you out. (15:28)

• 1 John 1:10 (NASB) 10If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.