WELCOME HOME #4

WELCOME HOME TO THE FATHER’S TABLE

Luke 15 21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. 22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: 23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry KJV

The son has returned to the father and has been accepted, unconditionally loved, and repositioned in the family. He has been robed, ringed and shoes placed on his feet. He now stands righteous (robed), provided for (ring) and is in covenant as a son not a slave (he has shoes on his feet).A

The focus suddenly changes from a returning prodigal to a festivity. When a child comes home it is time to celebrate.

The Father wants to celebrate you!

I.  It is time for a fatted calf.

A.  The fatted calf is used only on special occasions.

A dead son is alive again.

B.  The fatted calf is symbolic of the need for mercy. .

The son when he returned did not get what he deserved.

The Law says he was to be stoned.

Deu. 21 18 If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who does not obey his father and mother and will not listen to them when they discipline him, 19 his father and mother shall take hold of him and bring him to the elders at the gate of his town. 20 They shall say to the elders, “This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious. He will not obey us. He is a profligate and a drunkard.” 21 Then all the men of his town shall stone him to death. You must purge the evil from among you. All Israel will hear of it and be afraid. NIV

C.  The fatted calf becomes the sacrifice offered for his sin. (the crucifixion)

23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it;

We are not saved by God’s love; God loves the whole world, and the whole world is not saved. We are saved by God’s grace, and grace is love that pays a price.

Because of the cross the Father has given grace and mercy.

Eph 2As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. NIV

What a picture of what Jesus did for us on the cross!

Everything the younger son had hoped to find in the far country, he discovered back home: clothes, jewelry, friends, joyful celebration, love, and assurance for the future.

In the far country, the prodigal learned the meaning of misery; but back home, he discovered the meaning of mercy.

II.  It is time to feast.

V 23…..let us eat…

A.  The fatted calf was to be shared with all.

The community was called in to share in the celebration.

B.  This not a time to hold back and spare but to share the best!

There is no expense too great. There is a reason.

At a party or gala, wedding, graduation, we serve only the best we have.

III. It is time to celebrate

23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:

A.  It is a Time to be loud.- There is a reason

B.  It is a Time to laugh- There is a reason

C.  It is a Time to dance- There is a reason

Heaven is our example.

Luke 15 10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

NIV

Perhaps David can help us understand how this prodigal felt to be celebrated.

Psa. 23 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.

(The Father celebrates us in front of our enemies. There is nothing hell can do to stop this celebration.)

You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and love (mercy) will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

NIV

The prodigal is now convinced I belong here. I am here forever.

There is an empty chair at this table. Will you come and take your place with the family of God?

We want to celebrate with you.