The Tale of Two Sons by John MacArthur

The Inside Story of a Father, His Sons and a Shocking Murder

This story of the Prodigal Son was told by Jesus in the presence of sinners, tax collectors and a group of self-righteous Pharisees. Though it spoke multitudes to all who had ears to hear, it was intended to speak a word of danger to those Pharisees who refused to rejoice at the redemption of sinners through repentence and grace alone.

I can see myself with the ears of some of the most sin-sick Gentiles listening to this story in anticipation... Searching this storyline for some glimmer of hope, some hope of redemption, a desperation to be delivered from themselves....For the first time feeling the beating of a heart of flesh.....Breathing in the life of the Spirit.  For their hearts in repentance and desire for mercy, no longer hid from the Father but was seeking a Savior. In desperation, they did not have to go far to find Him for He saw them when they were yet far off and He ran to them. I found He was seeking me before I knew I was lost.

I saw myself in the place of the Prodigal dishonoring an all-loving gracious Father only to awaken in the midst of the horrid slop of sin.....Sorrowfully returning in broken repentance to a Father that wished to cover me in robes or righteousness, in an effort to protect me from any lingering shame....The recipient of over-flowing, unmerited, undeserved grace and mercy.....With a humbled, Father-pleasing, desire to serve. 
I saw myself in the disgusting elder brother. In the putrid state of a self-righteous, self-motivated and self-serving mindset.....Attempting to earn merit, favor and privelege....all the while groping around in pure darkness blinded from the mystery of The way, the truth and the life!! 

Though this story in my life was told completely in reverse, I saw myself in each character as they looked upon the only character in the story that was all-loving and all-good. Praise God that though the ending to this story seemed to be a tragic abuse and death, it did not end there....leaving those desperate tax collectors, sinners, disciples,  heart-broken for the only love they had ever-known.....For up from the grave He arose!!!! Rising in Glory, to the right-hand of God, to intercede for me, so that another Comforter would come, until that day He will return for His Bride!!
May I submit my mind to the truth of Scripture.