In biblical times, people would often keep at least one piece of livestock that was fed a special diet to fatten it up, thus making it more flavorsome when prepared as a meal. Slaughtering this livestock was to be done on rare and special occasions.

Jesus gave a powerful illustration of justifying grace in the parable than Jesus' parable of the Prodigal Son. Let us consider this: According to the National Runaway Safe-line between 1.6-2.8 million youth runaway each year in the United States. Children can begin running as young as ages 10-14. The youngest are the most at-risk for the dangers of street life.

The Prodigal Son left the provision of his father's house. He requested and took his inheritance prior to the appointed time. He wasted what he had been given. He sank to the lowest point he had known. Social statistics state: One in seven young people between the ages of 10 and 18 will run away, and youth between the age of 12 to 17 are more at risk of homelessness than adults. Shockingly, 75 percent of runaways are female!

Jesus said in the parable that this young man ". . . came to himself!" Deep on the inside of each of us we have a desire survive. If we have a healthy relationship with our earthly father it is normal to want his approval. This young man felt convicted that he had blew it. Blew what? The material blessings that were from his father. But more than that, he blew the chance to make his father proud (or so he thought).

His father welcomed him home with great joy! Whenever a sinner comes home to God there is great joy in heaven! The angels rejoice! And so should the church! Praise God for the conversion experience of a lost one being found!--USK

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