“In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10 NIV)

This introduction leads to the Parable of the Lost Son.

The dad had two sons. The younger one demanded his inheritance right now. According to the law, the dad did not have to give half of his wealth. It was his money as long as he was alive. Nonetheless, he gave it to his son.

The son left without a word to another country and lived a wild life: drugs, prostitution, parties … Before he knew it, he found his bank account empty. All of a sudden, his supposed friends disappeared, and this youngest son had no place to sleep, no food, no friends, nothing at all. To survive, he took a job caring for pigs. It was a shame for a Jew to work with pigs, but this is how far he had fallen away. He didn’t make much money either. In fact, his salary was to, eat the same food that the pigs ate (See Luke 15:16). He had no choice. It was no life, but at least he was able to survive.

One day he came to his senses and decided to go back to his dad. He knew he had sinned big time, and he recognized that he no longer deserved the status of “son”. Therefore he decided to ask his father if he could work for him. He had hopes that his father would agree, for he knew him to be a fair man. As he was walking back home, he rehearsed what he would say: “I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.” (Luke 15:18-19 NIV)

What he missed in his logical thinking was just who his father really was! Every day this dad went out to see if his youngest son was returning home. Day in and day out. Patiently he waited, longing to see him, longing to hold him in his arms: “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” (Luke 15:20 NIV)

The youngest one wanted to say what he had rehearsed so many times, but the dad was too excited! His youngest son had come back home! It was time for a party! Tears of joy was falling thickly, and all he could say was: “Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” (Luke 15:22-24 NIV)

The youngest son had never really known his father. If he had, he would have never left him!

What about the oldest son? He had stayed with his dad all the time. Doesn’t that prove that he loved his dad?

“‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him.” (Luke 15:27-28 NIV)

The dad had to leave the party to listen to his oldest son: “But he (The oldest son) answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends.'” (Luke 15:29 NIV)

The oldest son didn’t know his dad either. He thought he was nothing more than a slave, but in reality, it was the other way around. He was actually considered to be royalty in his dad’s eyes. It was he, himself, who had made himself a slave! “Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father.’ So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.” (Galatians 4:6-7 NIV)

So many people, Christians included, do not know our Heavenly Father. We forget the sacrifice that happened 2000 years ago when Jesus willingly died on a lovely cross so that we could be free forever in the care of our heavenly Father. Those who think they are God’s slaves have missed the boat. They are the ones who have decided to be slaves, for our Father is a loving Father!

“‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.'” (Luke 15:31 NIV)

Everything our Heavenly Father has is ours! This is amazing!

If we are lonely, he will stand by us, holding you in His arms.

If we are in trouble, our Heavenly Father will come to our rescue.

If we are sick, He will heal!

Too many among us don’t believe in divine healing. Just as the oldest son had never asked anything from his dad, we never ask God for anything in faith. As a result, nothing happens. Yet Jesus repeatedly said over and over again: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8, NIV)

So ask, and it WILL be given to you. Jesus guaranteed that: “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” (John 14:12 NIV)

Ask and you WILL receive. Don’t ask, and you will NOT receive anything. Neither sons knew their dad. They were both too focused on themselves. If only they had spent more time with their dad, their lives would have changed dramatically. They would have experienced what love really means.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34 NIV)

Through experiencing God, we will find what love means. And this includes healing. Do we really know our Heavenly Father?

Rob Chaffart

(To access the entire “Experiencing God Through Healing” devotional series, please click here.)