EDUCATION THE PRODIGAL GOD BY TIMOTHY KELLER

Adeyemi Olajide » THE PRODIGAL GOD BY TIMOTHY KELLER

BOOK REVIEW: THE PRODIGAL GOD BY TIMOTHY KELLER

The Prodigal God draws from the popular story in Luke 15 about the son who left home and returned. It has entered into history as the story of the prodigal son. Timothy Keller shows that even Jesus did not call it with that name. Tim was able to show that Jesus meant to teach much more than we often learn from the story.

It wasnt just a story of a prodigal son; it was a story of two sons. Two sons that represent different things. The Elder Brother and The Younger Brother. The Younger Brother was the disgrace of the family. He was a disappointment so much that when he wanted to return home, he didnt return as a son anymore, he just wanted to be mercifully accepted as a worker in the fathers rich farm. Such a pitiful situation. This was the same son that had asked for his inheritance even before his father died, he got his bounty and left home to see the wild west. He travelled in his lambhorgini, attended events at Hollywood, organized parties every evening and sponsored his friends to the worlds most luxurious shows. This younger son was a true soft life merchant. A true Idan! One day, his money ran out. All those who were surrounding him and offering those advice disappeared. The same guy who was snapping with the top shots of the world was suddenly living with pigs. Thats when he returned home. Surprisingly, his father welcomed him with the biggest party the city had ever known.

Thats when the Elder Brother enters the story. Elder Brother was an impeccable person. He is the kind of son every parent would want to have. He understood duty and always lived up to it. There are some sons who make the family proud, the kind of guys that everyone in the community uses as an example. Thats this guy. So, when Elder Brother returned home and saw his dad offering a big party for his useless younger brother, he was offended. He, the son who had lived up to the fathers expectations had never received such a celebration. The son who defended the familys image, the son who did all things right and in fact, the one who was just returning from maintaining the familys heritage had never received such a party. Of course, he was offended. Who wouldnt be? Lets be honest people.

In Jesus story, something is wrong with both brothers. It is not just the younger brother who has sinned. 2,000 years since Jesus told the story to make a point, we have not gotten the point. It is because of that that we call it the story of the Prodigal Son.

The younger brother was guilty of sins he has committed and the older brother was guilty of being too righteous. None of them is the Christians way. Both need to be saved.

This is what makes the Christian story unique. As I read the story, I realized I was both the elder brother and the younger brother. There are those moments when I am guilty of the things Ive done, and there are those moments when I am guilty of judging others. I cant save myself. But there is a Saviour who can help me. In fact, He came just to help me. How wonderful.

Another thing that Tim points out about this story is who it was addressed to. It was addressed to the Elder Brothers, the pharisees. In todays world, that would be us- those who claim to have received Jesus already. Our self-righteousness has made us feel entitled to Gods blessings and we are angry when others enjoy it. Our self-righteousness has made feel we are the ones to declare judgement on all others. To draw a line in the sand and declare that anyone who does otherwise is guilty of forsaking the kingdom. You know the irony of this message, towards the end of his career, Tim became a target for such Elder Brothers. He was regularly accused of compromising the truth, of being too liberal, of being a Marxist, of being too worldly.

The good thing in this story, which is the Christian story, the father welcomes both sons and invite them into the house. Our father will never throw any of us out. Jesus is truly for everybody. Jesus is for everyone. He died for all. I dont think he would allow anything to stand in the way of the sacrifice He made on calvary. He will welcome us home. Elder Brother or Younger Brother, we are not worthy but He is too willing to receive us. I like this.

The Prodigal God gave me a lot to think about and pray about. It is a book that excites the mind and calls for reflection. You will be better for it after reading.

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