March 22, 2009

Read Luke 15:11b-32

So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.—Luke 15: 20

A wastefully extravagant consumer. A quick Google search told me that was the definition of prodigal. A further search of several dictionaries confirmed it and the words “wasteful” and “extravagant” were common throughout. Wait. What? I thought I knew this story! I’d colored countless Sunday school activity sheets and listened to numerous sermons. I knew the story. A son runs away, makes bad choices, eats with pigs, and returns home. But adding those three words to the description, adds a new layer to the story for me.

Once again, Jesus tells a story 200 years ago that we still need to hear today. In our world of wastefully extravagant consumerism, it is easy to lose focus. We like gadgets and toys. We always want more. We have more in common with the son in our scripture than we think.

But like the prodigal son, our Father is waiting, with compassion, for us with open arms.

During this season of Lent, help us to regain our focus on you, Lord. Amen

Jan Nelson is a 10-year transplant in St. Louis from Lima, Ohio. During worship you are most likely to find her in the balcony operating the laptop for the projector.