Crazy Grace?
Father’s Day…take a lot at a dynamic parable of Jesus that features a father.  Note about parables: sometimes object lessons, other times short, intense dramas…those we remember well: this parable we call the Prodigal Son, the Good Samaritan and others.
*I did a study of the parables a few years ago and discovered that these parables, far from being good moral stories, would have evoked a very, very strong reaction in those who first heard them: what I call a “Say What?” moment.  We need to recover that dynamic today.
So, this parable today which pivots around a father whom a lot of those gathered around Jesus, would have been considered extreme, even crazy.
Begin with younger brother
*demanding inheritance basically saying “I wish my father dead”
*culture would have sided with a father who would have said “I no more have two sons”
*familiar story of wasting the inheritance and falling into hard times.
*then the return: even a servant does better at home
Now the key: the crazy father
waiting…running out…ordering a feast…putting a robe and ring
*culture: he is way out of line…what about demanding an apology?  what about working off the inheritance he had wasted?
*the religious leaders would have been offended at this father
NO…the returning son simply was given restoration and love.
Crazy Grace?  There would have been many cheering…those down and out…for they understand Jesus was providing a glimpse of a God who desires a full relationship with each of his children no matter where they have been or what they have done.  Thank God for crazy, extravagant grace. 
Then there’s the elder brother
*the good boy always working away in his father’s fields
*should feel rewarded, right?
*father goes out to invite him inside to the party, elder son pours out anger and resentment.
*not a great way to have been living all these years.
Key: “all this is yours” but elder brother consistently missed out the extravagant, crazy grace of this loving father.
Attitude in both sons limited the father’s loveAttitude in us can limit God’s crazy love and grace for us.
Life should be a celebration, a party of a God who reaches out to each of us to live in fulfillment and joy.
Today, check your attitude: what might be blocking you from this crazy grace?
Are you running away to simply live life on your terms away from the father’s house?
Are you limited by resentment that you have not received all that you think you should? Are you slaving away while God wants to invite you back into the joy of a great celebration of his love?