January 24, 2021 – Spiritual Arrhythmia Part 4
Have you ever been to a surprise party that you thought was for you? Or at least, have you caught wind of a plan for a party and wondered if friends or family were planning it for you? Yeah, that would be awkward, wouldn’t it?
But there’s some stories in the Bible where the outcomes come off awkward like that, where somebody might think the party’s about them. That happens in the Parable of the Lost Son, or the Prodigal Son. We label that story in Luke like it’s about one of the sons, but it’s not. Actually, the Parable in Luke 15 is about the Father.
Take a look at the end of the parable to see the clue, in Luke 15:20-24:
“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 him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’
“But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.
Luke 15:20-24 (NLT)
As we consider the idea of “spiritual arrhythmia,” we need to remember that the story includes us in a great love story about God. But, just like the Parable of the Lost Son, God is the focus.
But while God is the focus, his incredible love is focused on us. A great song to remind you of God’s love is “Reckless Love,” by Cory Asbury:
To get back in rhythm with God, we need to remember who is the focus, and the center of the love God wants us to share with the world.