Some expressed interest in (re)reading The Prodigal God and requested a reading schedule. For openers, let me suggest Intro thru Ch. 1 by July 31 and the following to bat around: pg. viii. If Jesus's teaching can be compared to a lake, how is this Parable (Luke 15) like like "one of the clearest spots, where we can see all the way to the bottom"? pp. xiv-xv How does the father's "recklessly spendthrift" (generous) reception of the younger son offend your/my sense of justice? pg. 5 What is the reason for the father's joy? Imagine reunion after having not seen a cherished loved one for a very long time, all hope having been lost. How does this aspect of the Parable reflect the heart of Sovereign God? pp. 5-6 In what ways does the older brother manage to keep himself from celebrating? How does this depict sin? Ch. 1; pg 10 "Jesus's purpose is not to warm our hearts but to shatter our categories." What "categories" of mine need to be identified and shattered? pp 15-16 "Jesus's teaching consistently attracted the irreligious while offending the Bible-believing, religious people of his day." Should certain ministries comport with this approach? Do you agree with Keller's suggestion that today's churches might be too full of "older brothers"? How do the Scriptures speak to this issue?

What a powerfully, compelling little book! I am humbled that God in his mercy would AGAIN show me the nature of his 'recklessly spendthrift' love poured out on our behalf. I don't know that I have ever heard this parable taught in this fashion with so little focus on the elder brother (excepting John's more recent sermon)...quite probably my heart hasn't been listening! Since the stereotypic sermon on the wayward son is preached so consistantly then yes, the church is full of elder brothers who need their 'catagories shattered'. I love the quote from Tolkein; "I am not altogether on anybody's side, because nobody is altogether on my side...p.13 referring to Jesus not being on the side of the irreligious or the religious. I thought the notion of the early church being considered NOT a religion very interesting...and wonder how far the modern church has strayed from God's intent. We do set out to attract people like us! That is without a doubt one of many of my catagories...

Chap. 2 for 8/15. pp.18-20. Against all bounds of convention, the younger brother demands, essentially, the father's very "life": his property, reputation and standing. And the father gives! It seems unfair that a locust should gobble up the father's life's work. But how do we likewise consume Christ's good gifts and bring dishonor on Him? pp. 20-25. The father's lavish acceptance of the younger son - without even hearing an apology, much less a plan of restitution - might suggest that sin has no consequences. But what clues do we already have from the Parable that the younger brother's riotous excursion carried a severe price tag?

Sorry for a late post on chapter one, but I have a question. Do y'all think that New Hope fits the description at the end of the chapeter: The kind of outsiders Jesus attracted are not attracted to contemporary churches . . . we must not be declaring the same message that Jesus did? Or at least not portraying the message effectively to those we meet everyday? a little bit? a lot? not at all?

I think all believers need to repent of our lack of love for both younger brothers and older brothers. Martin Luther was right on about our need to live a life of repentance. It is the love of Christ that motivates me to obey Him. Only His love is bigger than my sin. Only His love is powerful enough to set me free from my adiction to all types of idols.

In ch. 2 my attention was esp. drawn to the father's response to both sons. Keller underscores his unpredictable, almost startling reaction to these bad boys who are both 'far off' in their hearts ~ pursuing the fathers good gifts INSTEAD of the father. (OH, my heart!) Despite their disrespect, HE continues to pursue them, ever ready to receive them with no conditions or demands; just the free offer of grace. Amazing!

I am amazed by God's grace - especially because I find myself moving back and forth - sinning like a younger brother in some areas and like an older brither in others.

Chapter 3 (for Labor Day w/e) - Called Redefining Sin, this part made me think of some of the ways I try to "keep score" with God and expect him to reward me. In fact, how great it is that I don't get what I really deserve. How great also that I cannot control or manipulate God. But the human heart deceitful above all things and very wicked. In the very recognition (all of grace) of sin, I want to receive God's favor even for that! The Saleiri - Mozart comparison well illustrates God's knack for exposing our hidden agendas. Thank God that through Christ He does not keep silent or leave us in our sin. Gal. 2:20