Jesus Christ’s parable of the prodigal son, recorded in Luke 15, is perhaps the most moving parable He uttered.

A man had two sons, and the younger one asked his father for his inheritance. He didn’t like it at home with Dad and all his “tough rules.” I have to get out of here. I can’t stand the authority and the government, he thought. I want to go out and have a good time! He decided to flee to the world. As any parent can imagine, such rejection and abandonment is devastating.The heartbroken father in this parable represents God the Father. Throughout history, He has had many prodigal sons who have turned away from Him. This parable helps us understand how God feels about such rejection and how He handles such a painful situation.This father surely tried to persuade his son not to take such a reckless, self-destructive course. Nevertheless, he did not compel him to stay. Everyone must make his own decisions—and everyone must live with the consequences of those decisions.

The parable of the prodigal son is the third of three parables recorded in Luke 15. In the first, the parable of the lost sheep, Jesus Christ said, “I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance” (verse 7). When you repent, you really fill God with excitement and joy! You can affect God’s feelings and His happiness simply by repenting when you need to repent! Your Father loves you so much.

If you have fallen away from God, know that God loves you and has not given up on you! He is longing for the day when you will come to yourself, repent, and make your way back to Him. He is watching the horizon for any sign of your return! Don’t delay. Humble yourself and go to Him so you can be reunited and once again enjoy His blessing and favor.

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