The Rev. Dr. John Hatcher

Jesus told a story about a man who had two sons. The youngest grew tired of the routine and yang-yang of home life. He asked his dad for his cut of the family fortune. Dad gave it to him and the young son left home to party.

From what we glean from Jesus' account, the boy knew how to party hardy: the fast lane with fast women and fine wine. Funny thing, however, the money ran out (isn't that the way it is always). After giving up his fine apartment and his club memberships, this fine Jewish boy finds a job feeding swine. Times got so bad that the feed began to look appetizing. That's when he remembered.

He remembered that his old man dad treated the hired hands better than he was being treated by the hog owner. He remembered and decided to go back home, pleading for mercy.

When he went back home, his dad was waiting for him. His dad threw a big party to celebrate the fact that his son had come home. The wayward, prodigal son was the star of the party. Go figure that one. You and I may be like the other older son who couldn't figure out the old man. Young son acts the part of the jerk, breaks every commandment in the book, and comes home for a handout. Rather than giving a limited handout, dad throws the biggest party of the season. Dad restores the young boy to a place of honor and position (read the whole joyous account for yourself in Luke 15:11f).

This story from the lips of Jesus and the all too painful reality of wayward, prodigal children form the motivation for Thursday's (Dec. 2) prayer emphasis for prodigals. You can be involved and should be involved.

Just how many prodigals are out there, not having come to their senses? How many parents have a prodigal living under their own roof? How many spouses experience husbands and wives who have left home to wander in the fields of sin? But more, how many children have parents who have abandoned their families?

The situation is bigger than you think. And it's time the church does something about it. That's prayer. You can step out in believing prayer two times tomorrow: noon at Sam's Auditorium and 7 p.m. at Fayetteville Church of God. The church will be praying for all prodigal circumstances. Perhaps you have friends who have prodigals. Bring them with you.

God is doing a new thing in the south metro area. Get in on it!

The Rev. Dr. John Hatcher is pastor of River's Edge Community Church in Fayetteville.

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