I just love the story of the Prodigal Son.  I know I say that about so many Bible stories- but this weekend pastor Mark Nsimbi is preaching about the Prodigal Son, and I am excited. I want to tell Jesus, "You had me at the 'Prodigal Son' story." A copy of the painting, Return of the Prodigal Son, by Rembrandt, is on the wall of our daughter and son-in-law- Elise and Rey’s home.   What a masterpiece!  The dark emotional colors emphasize the bright story in the faces of the characters. 

Yes, I really, really love the story of the Prodigal Son. Because…well, I am the prodigal son. I'm not afraid to admit it because it’s true.  

I wanted to go it on my own without God. As if I were saying, "Give me everything coming to me- I can do this without you, God."  And yes, it all fell through. The resources ran out and the fair-weather friends didn’t last. 

As the story goes, the youngest son is too ashamed to ask for help- so he gets a job taking care of the hogs and then falls into the muck.  Yea, that’s me: finally embarrassed and ashamed to go back to God to ask for a second chance. Too afraid even to hope for love, acceptance, and forgiveness. Walk towards God's place and there He is, waiting outside for my return. God runs to me and hugs me. He puts his ring on my finger, his coat on my shoulders, and invites me to His party. I admit it: that is me. 

But I'm not just the youngest son in the story. I’m the self-important eldest son also. I worked hard for what I’ve got. I don’t want God to waste His time and money on the broken- they deserve what they have because of the poor choices they made.  That’s me too!

And the truth of the matter is, it’s you also. 

So why wouldn’t I be excited to hear Pastor Mark Nsimbi teach this weekend about how Jesus brings us together in celebration of His healing? About how God heals us broken-people and teaches us to be a Holy Spirit-filled community, of God's Kingdom of love?

You're going to love this one. Join us at 10:30 Sunday morning in-person or online via YouTube, Facebook Live, or our church app . What a life-giving moment it’s going to be.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White