The Lavish Love of the Father

Title: The Lavish Love of the Father.Scripture: Luke 15:20Parable defined.A parable is, literally, something “cast alongside” something else. Jesus’ parables were stories that were “cast alongside” a truth in order to illustrate that truth.Prodigal definedA person who spends money in a recklessly extravagant way.                                      Having or giving something on a lavish scale.The word prodigal can describe lavish behavior whether it is directed towards oneself (as in the younger son who wasted his inheritance on lavish living) or on the father, who was lavish in his forgiveness and acceptance of the younger son when he returned home.Tell the Story of the Prodigal Son.1st point.Sin does more than breaking the rules. It is the breaking of Relationship. Isaiah 59:2  But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. 2nd point.Love releases what it loves. Love gives freedom to be. John 8:36  He whom the Son sets free is free indeed.3rd point.We run from legitimate authority and become enslaved to illegitimate authority. James 4:7  Submit yourself to the authority of God. Resist the devil and he will flee. Amplified Bible4th Point  The father runs — and shames himself.Luke 15:20 So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off. His father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, HE RAN TO HIS SON, EMBRACED HIM, AND KISSED HIMKezazah, A Jewish Ceremony5th point  You’re Not So Far Gone That God Can’t Restore You.Luke 15:32 We had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again, he was lost and is found.1John 3:1 See what great love the Father has Lavished on us, that we should be called children of God.