Bible Story

The Prodigal Son

Again, Jesus is teaching through a parable. He tells the story of a young man who goes to his father and insists on receiving his inheritance early. (In essence he was saying, “I don’t want to wait for you to die; give it to me now!”) Upon receiving it, he leaves and goes out to live the high life. Having squandered his entire fortune, he finds himself in a land which has fallen on hard economic times. Out of desperation, he hires himself out to tend pigs. To fully appreciate the magnitude oh the young man’s desperation, it should be pointed out that Jews of the time were not even allowed to touch pigs, much less tend them. The realization that both the pigs and his father’s servants are eating better than he is, the young man decides to return to his home. Fully aware of the disgrace he has brought his father, he decides to offer to be his father’s servant. As the young man is returning home, his father sees him coming and rushes out to meet him. The celebration begins immediately, and the father is overcome with joy. He places a ring and a robe on the young man, signifying the restoration of his full status as a member of the family. The lad’s brother is less than thrilled, but the father’s explanation at least softens him a bit. A gigantic, festive feast ensues, all in celebration of the boy’s return.
This story beautifully illustrates God’s love for us, His children. How often do many of us get tired of waiting for our Heavenly reward and seek out the pleasures this world has to offer. Similarly, we almost invariably find ourselves knee-deep in slop, appalled at how far we have fallen and remorseful for the disrespect we’ve shown to our loving Heavenly Father. Like the father in the parable, He is waiting for us to return, eagerly anticipating a joyous celebration when we come back to Him.
Conclusion
Depending on where any of us is in our spiritual walk, we are all going to have a different Top 10 list of Bible stories. That’s a given. Furthermore, as we grow spiritually our Top 10 will grow with us. That’s the beauty of faith; it grows over time. These are mine right now, based on where I am in my walk, imperfect as I am.