The Prodigal God #2 - Coming to Our Senses

What does it mean when the younger brother in the parable comes to his senses? (Luke15:17) I really have to sit and consider the implications behind that verse, and wonder if the imagery was more clear for those listening to the parable first hand? Those words almost write off the actions of the younger brother as a phase, a good kid who made some bad choices. I have heard and seen and been that before, haven't you? In some ways that is comforting, to think that even if I make bad choices God will be waiting for me to come to my senses.

The next part makes sense, where else would you go but home? I suppose he could have stayed in that country and made some more bad choices, or gone on to another, farther place, but he chooses to go home. In addition, he formulates a plan that will allow him to repay the financial/material debt he owes his father. He realizes that he cannot undo his actions, take back the disrespect, and he does not expect any more than what he has seen his father offer to others. That speaks of humility and a change of heart to me. And I wonder what there was in his relationship with his father that allows him to believe that his father will consider and honor his plan? He must have had a better relationship than we would assume based on his actions.

When he does return, what he receives is so much more than he had any right to expect. It shows us that we need God, we need grace, and we need to be open to it in whatever form it comes. No expectations. There may be big moments with rings and robes and sandals, but they are more likely to be small, daily whisperings that are easy to miss if we go around looking for burning bushes. No expectations.

I don't know about you, but I feel like I have been drilled and also drilled my kids that there are consequences for what we do. If x then y. That works in the physical world, but not in the spiritual world. It is difficult to comprehend that God loves us so much, that we cannot do anything to earn God's love, we simply have it, that all we can is respond to that love. When I try to wrap my mind around that, I often find that our rituals and habits get in the way. They give a false sense of security.

Sometimes I do a little research to help clarify and expand my understanding, and in that process this week I found the following information:

http://wmson.wordpress.com/2006/10/17/tim-keller-the-discipline-of-gospel-repentance/


It gives some suggestions on how to consider and evaluate our own behavior and then seek what Keller calls gospel repentance. This is about earnest, honest, hard work. I think sometimes the words fall off my tongue too quickly and too glibly. Too much of a Pharisee... Since I am hardheaded I guess it takes hard work in order to get me to come to my senses.