Introduction to Prodigal God
Prodigal God explores God’s heart. Through the prodigal story in Luke 15, Keller unveils God’s love for us, his goodness toward us, his pursuit of us, and our response. As broken men, we carry a lot of baggage into seeing “God as our Father.” All of which is informed by our relationship with our earthly dads. Maybe he was cruel, abusive, and absent, or maybe he was a good man but unaware of what your heart needed. Either way, the lack of intentionality from our fathers taints our sight of God as our heavenly Dad.
Their broken words and actions wound our young hearts, and from these wounds, agreements ensnare:
“I am not worth loving.”
“I deserved the cruelty I received; it must be my fault.”
“I am on my own; no one is for me.” etc.
What’s worse, we then turn and project their actions onto God as our father, further claiming, “If God is a father, he is absent. He’s abusive and cruel. He’s unaware of who I am and what I need.” These deep-seeded lies keep us from receiving God’s loving heart.
Keller’s words will poke and prod the imposter in you as you press into the prodigal story. You’ll want you to throw the book across the room in frustration, don’t. However your heart reacts, we encourage and challenge you to keep reading. God is leading you to freedom, but you must first allow him to be himself with you.
As God is more himself with you, you will see and become more of who you are. Wounded places that need his healing touch will rise. Imposters and lies that slink in the shadows will be exposed. At times, the vulnerability will feel unbearable, but through the pain of the wilderness, you will know your heart and God’s heart, maybe for the first time. Be present to God’s hand along the Ancient Path. Invite Jesus to show you the way so that you can live in the fullness of sonship.