The Prodigal, The Prudent, & The Papa

Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.

-Proverbs 31:28

The parable of The Prodigal Son is a perfect picture of unconditional love. A father’s love toward his two sons with no strings attached. It is offered freely with nothing expected in return but simply loving them and wanting nothing more than their happiness. His unconditional love and compassion overshadowed any wrong these sons may have done in their past.

The Prodigal-Looking for love in all the wrong places

Most of us know the proverb of the prodigal son as told in Luke 15:11-31. He was the young, foolish, and selfish son of a wealthy and prominent father. He was impatient and desired to get on with his life outside of his father’s rule. He wanted his freedom and inheritance, which wasn’t for him to take until his father’s death. However, the loving father gave the son his half of the estate. So, the boy left his home to chase the joys of freedom and the luxury of independence. He wanted self-satisfaction. Unfortunately, he wasted all of his money on wine, women, and song and afterward found himself wasting away in a pigpen.

The Prudent-Not enjoying the love he already had

The eldest son was prudent; he did not leave to search for happiness but stayed by the stuff. He was loyal, dependable, hard-working, and an overachiever (as most firstborns are). He followed the rules and fulfilled his obligations. But he harbored bitterness, jealousy, and a judgemental spirit, which was evident when his brother came home. The eldest son heard the news as he returned from working in the field. Instead of rejoicing at the return of a lost brother, he cried out, “that’s not fair!” He couldn’t be happy for his brother because he wasn’t happy for himself.

The Papa-Showing unconditional love to both

Aww, but the papa! He was wise. He knew that things are temporary and that love lasts forever. He showed unconditional love towards the younger son by taking him back after he had wasted his inheritance (mercy). And he showed unconditional love towards the eldest son when he generously informed him that “all that is mine is yours” (grace) Luke 15:31. 

Are You A Prodigal, A Prudent, Or A Papa?

Do you see yourself in any of these characters? If we think about the prodigal son as being someone unsaved, we can say that he is searching to fulfill a spot in his heart that only God can satisfy. Many people try to fill that void with things. Maybe not wine, women, and song, necessarily, but maybe with busyness, shopping, and work (e.g.). 

We can do the same thing as Christians. We see others doing and getting, and we become unhappy with what we have. We try to fill the void with things instead of with Jesus. 

Or maybe you can identify with the prudent son. You’re dedicated to your family, loyal to the church, faithful to serving God, but you sometimes feel a tinge of jealousy towards another believer. Or a root of bitterness that is slowly growing in your heart because you have been offended. Maybe you have a hard time loving people because they don’t meet up to your standards (I mean God’s standards).

I can tell you who I identify with; I can see me in both brothers. Sometimes I see my reckless nature running after the glittering lights of something new and wonderful when I feel empty and unhappy (fortunately, I don’t have an inheritance to lose). And then I find myself feeling like I’m doing stuff and others aren’t when I begin to feel sorry for myself.

But I want to be the papa because he reflects our heavenly Father. He allows us as sinners to wander away and mess up our lives because we have free will. And He allows us to wallow in our unhappiness as long as we are enjoying it. 

BUT when we come to the end of ourselves, whether in the pigpen or coming up out of the field, He stands there with open arms waiting to pull us into Himself as He wraps those big, strong, warm, loving arms around us, and whispers in our ear, “All that is Mine is yours.”