The father comes out to meet the eldest son, who refuses to enter the house. This mirrors the image of the shepherd seeking the lost sheep and the woman searching for the lost silver coin, reflecting the heart of God.
While it may seem like we are coming to God, in truth, it is God who seeks us. Knowing the heart of God the Father is the core of faith. Growing in the knowledge of Christ means that as we understand God's heart more, our faith also grows.
The phrase "But we had to celebrate and rejoice" implies that this must be done. All that belongs to God the Father is ours—He gives us everything if we seek and ask. As sons of God's kingdom, let us be thankful, and when someone enters the church, let us love them with the heart of the Father, just as He embraced the prodigal son who returned.
Excerpt from the sermon by Pastor Lee, Oct 18, 2024.
Luke 15:25-32