Messy Church Part 2: Embracing the Prodigal Journey

The Parable of the Prodigal Son

In Luke 15:11-32 (NIV), Jesus tells the story of a man with two sons. The younger son demands his share of the estate and squanders it in wild living. When a famine hits, he finds himself feeding pigs and longing for their food. Realizing his dire situation, he decides to return to his father, repent, and ask to be treated as a hired servant. However, his father, filled with compassion, runs to him, embraces him, and celebrates his return with a feast. Meanwhile, the older son becomes angry and refuses to join the celebration, feeling unappreciated despite his years of obedience. The father reassures him, saying, "My son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found" (Luke 15:31-32, NIV).

The Messy Reality of Church

The Hebrew word for “mess” is "balagan," which can be likened to a "pigsty." God invites us into His home, saying, “Mi casa es su casa,” or "My home is your home." We bring our messiness inside, including the blood, stains, and remnants of our struggles and pains. Yet, this is God's house. He transforms our messes, welcoming us with open arms, washing us clean, and dressing us in the finest robes.

In God's house, ordinary elements like praise, worship, and simple gestures of kindness become moments of transformation. A handshake, a hug, or even a smile can change the atmosphere around our mess. Baptisms, like the ones we celebrated, are public declarations of faith, often in the midst of personal crises. These seemingly ordinary moments are where God moves powerfully, working below the radar and transforming lives.

Recognizing the Little Things

We should learn to see the little things in God's house rather than searching for perfect moments. Dirty footprints at the entrance direct us to where Jesus is cleaning our feet, reminding us that our mess is temporary. When we feel used up and thrown away, Jesus kisses away our tears. When we are lost, He leaves the 99 to find us and carries us home. In our brokenness, when words fail, He prays in and for us, teaching us to cry, "Abba, Father."

The Church's True Beauty

The church doesn’t need beauty filters, gym memberships, or Botox. The church needs you, mess and all. In Luke 15:13-14 (NIV), the younger son squanders his wealth and finds himself in need. The English word "prodigal" means "wastefully extravagant." The prodigal son wasted his resources, dishonoring his family and living sinfully. He had nothing left.

God gives us talents and resources to use for His glory and our fulfillment. When we choose our own way, like the prodigal son, we waste these resources. However, there is hope. In Luke 15:17 (NIV), the prodigal son "came to his senses" and realized he needed to return home. He knew that in his father's house, there was provision, grace, and relationship.

A Call to Come Home

Many of us have wandered away, either seeking the limelight or feeling ashamed of our failures. It’s time to come back home. There is food, lodging, and relationship in our Father's house. Even if we return as servants, it is far better than staying in the far country. The decision to return home is the pivotal moment that sets us up for a comeback. The ultimate comeback is when a person returns to the Lord.

In Conclusion

As we reflect on the message of the prodigal son, let us pray for the strength to return home and embrace the grace, provision, and relationship that our Father offers. May we recognize the beauty in our mess and the transformative power of God's love in our lives.