Dear Caldwell,
Remember the old radio announcer Paul Harvey? His rich, deep voice and distinctive, halting Staccato-style delivery fit his ability to tell a story. Listeners hung on for every word, especially after he said, “And now, the REST of the story ….” From that point, whatever story he was telling or covering would take a plot twist that made listening always worth it.
Jesus didn’t say, “And now, the REST of the story” when he told the parable of the Prodigal Son, at least according to Luke. But the rest of that story matters a lot. It’s the side of the story of the Prodigal as experienced by his stiff-necked older brother. The prodigal’s tale is one of a man who tried to run away from God’s grace. The elder brother’s story is one of a man who refused God’s grace. Neither is the reception God desires.
We will focus on “the REST” of the Prodigal’s story Sunday. Be on time for worship, because we will start with a party!
In Christ,
John