As I mentioned last time we were together, this Sunday (June 10) I am planning on sharing with you what is most commonly known as “The Parable of the Prodigal Son” from Luke 15:11-32. I’m excited about it! I have titled my sermon “Reckless Love,” and I borrowed that title from a song by Cory Asbury which is incredibly popular these days on Christian radio.
You may be wondering about the term “reckless” when it comes to a description of the love of Christ. After all, we tend to use that word when referring to someone who is careless or imprudent. Certainly not God! But there is a deep sense in which the love of God is reckless indeed.
God’s love is daring. Turning over the tables of the moneychangers. Jesus Christ going out of His way to pursue the woman at the well. A Samaritan, mind you. Scandalous. Unheard of. Unsettling. Calling us to hope when everything around us is crashing in.
God’s love is desperate. Taking on human flesh and blood, so that He could be known by the likes of you and me. Sending the spotless Son of the living God to a rugged and cruel cross for our sin. Inviting little children to come to the Savior of the world.
God’s love is breakneck. It overcomes a person as mysteriously and ferociously as a strong wind. It revolutionizes the human heart in the blink of an eye! We are transferred from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light in a millisecond. That’s what it means to be born again.
God’s love is audacious. This is what got Jesus into so much trouble with the spiritual elites. Christ was always pursuing the undesirables. Lifting up the dregs of society. Touching abandoned lepers with His bare hands. Opening the door of God’s kingdom to every nation. Pushing the religious boundaries so that all could be welcomed at the table of salvation. Inviting little children to come.
I couldn’t earn it, and I don’t deserve it, still, You give Yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God!
If you’re interested in hearing a little bit more about the theological nuances of “reckless,” I’ll refer you to this audio clip from Pastor John Piper. You’ll find it interesting and thought-provoking in regard to how we ought to go about determining what is appropriate (or not) for worship singing. After all, our goal is to exalt Christ as wonderfully and as truthfully as we can!
What I appreciate about this particular segment is that Piper doesn’t answer all our questions, but he makes us think. Maybe, like I, you’re concerned that thinking and reason have fallen on hard times.
Lastly, if you’re still unfamiliar with the song, I encourage you to listen to it at least once before Sunday. Here’s the official link.
It’s my profound joy, honor, and privilege to be able to worship our gracious Lord with you every Sunday. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
And you thought summer was a time for sleeping in. Silly you.
Pastor Charles
We will be tuning in from Branson. Wouldn’t want to miss this gem! Thank you for the links too.