Evening star., 1924-11-01
Sunday School Lesson

refusing to allow Him to control our
life.
Sin is hard tasknaster. Resources
gone and performing the lowest
menial task open to "A Hebrew. the
prodigal came to see hfs folly. 1t re
quired the trials of adversely to make
him realize what he had lost. His
yellow streak revealed itself when he
felt the pangs OF hunger. The Cen
tiles swine Jared better than he did,
for his salary as keeper of the swine
did not furnish him enough funds to
secure the food that he craved. 1t did
not take him long to realize his error
Friends departed with his resources.
His clothes became rags and the hun
cry, ragged swineherder thought OF
| his fathers home and the excellent
provision made for the servants under
the Jewish law.
1t was during this period Of want
that "he came to himself" 1t required
, trial to make him see his true condi
| ton. This was the first step in his
| repentance. He saw that he had
brought his trouble and trials upon
himself. No one was to blame except
himself. This humbled him. The proof
| of his repentance was seen in his de-
ciSion to return home. His emaciated
| body was clothed with tattered gar
ments, yet he did not hesitate. The
| TeptHtdHI pTOQlBdI turned niS lace
| toward home at once, determined to
ask forgiveness and request that he
be allowed to stay home as a servant.
| He considered that he had forfeited
| his rights of sonship By his selfish
ness and sin.
The ProdigaPs Welcome.
| Long before the prodigal reached
! home he was seen by his father, who
! watched with tear-dimmed eyes for
| his return. The approach of the
| weak, Worn-out and weary, totter-
ing form filled him with JOY. He has
! tened to welcome him, planting the
| kiss of forgiveness upon his cheek
| before the confession of sin and the
request of forgiveness could b.
spoken. The wise father understood
that the prodigaIs trials had wroughL
| a change of desire in his son and
that he had returned truly repentant
| He restored him TO his place as a
! son. He ordered the servants to
| bring out a robe TO take the place o.
the sin-spotted, ragged one that he
wore. He clothed him SO that he
would be fit to appear at his table
| as his son. lie gave him ring that
| symbolized that he delegated author
ity TO him by placing his signet ring
| in his keeping. He ordered him to
! be shod SO that mis- feet would be
! strengthened and protected lie
! called for a feast 70 proclaim his
JOY over his wandering boys return.
The reference 10 the elder brother
who was a prodigal OF a different
character, would be recognized by
| His hearers 10 refer TO the attitude
of His critics, who objected to the
Masters efforts 20 win the losi
There was something OF the selfish
miser about the elder one. whose life
otherwise vas above reproach. He
was unwilling to listen to the fathers
entreaties that pointed out that the
father actions were based upon love
not justice.
1t is due to Gods love and svnpa-
thy that there remains welcome fcr
the sinner, even when the poor wan
oerer may feel that no one care
for his soul. Sin is TO trife, for i.
brings condemnation and deati
Gods love has met mans need b.
providing a salvation for all who
will repent OF their sins. believe upor
the Lord Jesus Christ and confess
| Him before men. The welcome OF
our Heavenly Father was illustrated
by the love, forgiveness and restora-
tion that the earthly parent gave tia.
prodigal. God cares for U.s. He re-
joices over every sinners return
seeking pardon. peace and power