The Legacy Collection

© 2015 Dennis Fischer ®
All rights reserved

Volume XIII

"The Prodigal"

By
Dennis Fischer

Summary: By Blow the Trumpet

In 2015 Mr. Dennis Fischer was invited to give a presentation at the Feast of Tabernacles hosted by a prominent COG Association. What follows is a transcript of that message.

Although not an ordained COG minister, Mr. Fischer is a long standing member of God’s Church who has spoken as well as written prolifically about His Kingdom, His Plan, and His people.

This particular message addressees what Fischer believes to be a great misunderstanding in God's Church concerning one of its most popular doctrines—as well as a complete misunderstanding of the scripture it employs in defense of it. This issue has become so hotly contested within some Church leaders that this particular message actually consists of two versions both of which are included in the Legacy Collection—one in this Volume and one in Volume XX. 

When some first heard Fischer’s teaching it was referred to as “Jaw dropping.” One leader of an independent COG informed him that he (the leader) never considered that the older brother in the parable of the “Prodigal Son” represented something no Christian should ever want to emulate although the Church taught just the opposite.  This leader went on to confess that he was shocked that no one including himself ever came to Fischer’s conclusion when it became so obvious after hearing this message.

And now we at Blow the Trumpet are profoundly honored to include it as the thirteenth installment of our Legacy Collection.

Sermon

Introduction:

Good morning everyone.

Brethren, recently I heard a message presented by a highly respected leader in God’s Church addressing why His people choose to abandon the faith and the consequences for doing so. The more I considered his words the less I believed them. One particular point he made really disturbed me. I was actually stunned by it. When speaking on this issue he invoked the parable of the “Prodigal Son” to make his point. When doing so he suggested that the older brother in the parable was an example of how God’s people today should conduct their Christian walk and why the younger brother illustrates how God will impose serious consequences on those who betray the Church. A consequence that will require them to bear the penalty for their betrayal for all eternity even if they repent and are permitted entrance into the Kingdom. Those who advance this belief are fully persuaded based on this parable that even those who are redeemed through the sacrifice of Christ will be stripped them of part of their reward forever.

Even more surprising to me was the fact that in the course of my study on this issue I discovered that the vast majority of God’s ministers shared this view Furthermore, they employ the same parable when defending their position. 

Well in all due respect to these fine men their understanding of this parable and its lesson is light years from that revealed in the Biblical record. And today I am going to prove it. Furthermore, when I’m finished I believe you will have an entirely different view on this teaching. To begin we will need to read the entire parable. So if you would please open your Bibles to Luke chapter 15. While you’re going there I would like to provide a little context to this moment in the life of the Messiah.

So let’s begin.

Setting the Stage

Brethren, during what is often referred to as His “later Perean ministry” which took place shortly before His arrest, trial, and crucifixion, Jesus was confronted by the religious leaders of His day.

At issue was His practice of dining what these pious men regarded as “undesirables”—the very dregs of society

As a result, they found the Messiah’s acceptance of them quite objectionable.

At this point it is important to understand that Jesus’ critics were brazenly arrogant. 

So much so that they would often tout their own righteousness while at the same time condemn others. 

The story of the “Pharisee and the Publican” is just one example and I’d like to go there. It is recorded in the eighteenth chapter of Luke’s gospel

Luke 18:9

And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 

Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican (a lowly customs officer, a tax collector)

The Pharisee stood and prayed thus within himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, stupid, smelly, uncouth, ugly, without breeding, having poor posture, or even as this publican.

Now brethren, of course I modified this a little but you get the point. They didn’t like these losers.

The Stage is Set

Now, once again, as these religious leaders witness Jesus showing compassion to those whose lives have been scared by bad decisions and hard living, they declare their disdain for them. 

Simply put they see no redeeming qualities in such people. 

Furthermore, they see Jesus’ kindness toward them as a lack of discernment and further evidence that He is not a true man of God.

Brethren, this is clearly what was taking place at this moment. 

In essence these spiritual pillars of Judaism were doing three things:

1. They were asserting their own righteousness.
   
   
2. They were condemning others who clearly had some serious flaws in their lives and,
   
   
3. They were questioning the wisdom of Jesus for showing compassion to such people while at the same time failing to show honor to them.

Jesus Answers His Accusers

Brethren, Jesus now responds by presenting a trilogy of parables in which the first two (“The Lost Sheep” and “The Lost Coin”) expose the hypocrisy of the Pharisees grumblings. 

However, the third parable presents them with a chilling reality of how distant their judgment was from that of God’s.

Brethren, I want you to please listen very carefully. 

In the parable of “The Prodigal Son” Jesus tells a story about a sinner who repents, a father who forgives, and an older brother who: 

This parable is recorded in the 15^th chapter of Luke.

The Story Begins

The story centers around a prosperous family consisting of a father and his two sons. 

By all appearances the younger son seems to be somewhat impetuous and undisciplined while his older brother is highly driven and focused. 

As the story begins the younger son appeals to his farther to bequeath his inheritance early while he is still young enough to enjoy it and build an estate of his own. 

The father eventually consents and divides his estate between both of his sons. Here is how Jesus describes it.

Luke 15:11-12

And [Jesus] said, A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me. And [his father] divided unto them his living. 

Leaving to make his mark

Shortly after receiving his portion of the inheritance, the younger brother leaves his family and travels a great distance—eventually arriving at a place where he plans to build his own future. 

However, although he was optimistic about this endeavor, it is clear that he lacked the maturity and wisdom to navigate his life in a world fraught with temptation. 

As a result, he squanders all that he was given by indulging himself in debauchery and sin.   

Luke 15:13

And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.

Left Destitute

Eventually the money ran out, and this young man, from a very prominent and honorable family, became destitute. 

Add to that there was a great famine in the land leaving him with few options. 

His condition became so dire that in an attempt to sustain himself, he sought employment slopping pigs and actually eating their food.

Luke 15:14-16

And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and [the citizen] sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.

 Humiliation and Disgrace

Brethren, the son is now humiliated beyond imagination and thoroughly disgraced, not to mentioned starving. 

This condition leads him to conclude that it would be better to return home in shame than to try to survive in a place with virtually no prospects, not to mention one that has literally destroyed his life. 

As a result, he decides that upon his return, he will beg his father for mercy and seek his permission to work as a slave on the family estate.

Luke 15:17-19

And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.

          A Wonderful Reunion

The younger son now makes the long journey home. 

However, as he approaches, his father sees him from a distance and rushes out to meet him. 

Now as the prodigal stands before his father, barely able to look at the man he feels he disappointed so greatly, his father could hardly contain his joy—repeatedly kissing him and undoubtedly shedding tears of his own.

Putting the Reunion in Context

Brethren, at this point I want you to consider what must be taking place here. 

The prodigal was unquestionably filthy. 

The smell of garbage and pig slop must have been intense. 

But did the father care? Of course not! 

His son was a WONDERFUL sight to Him and nothing could diminish that. 

Even when confessing his failings his father would hear nothing of it. 

Instead, he lavished his child with very precious gifts as if he was royalty.

Luke 15:20-24

And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. 

But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

The significance of the Father’s Gifts

Brethren, these particular of gifts have great significance in scripture and it is not by accident that they were presented by a father to a child He loved so much.

Consider what they represent.

Here is the point.

Brethren, Jesus knew precisely what was taking place when He received the prodigals that sought Him. 

He also knew that His Father in Heaven was preparing a wonderful array of gifts for them.  And He wanted you to know that as well.

With that said, we now come to a pivotal point in the story.

Bitterness

Brethren, when the older brother heard the commotion coming from the festivities, he decided to investigate the matter. 

However, when he discovered what was taking place his reaction was vastly different from that of his father. 

Instead of rejoicing he was furious and began chastising his father for celebrating the return of someone who had undoubtedly brought such shame on the family. 

So intense was his anger that he refused to join the celebration, even after his father implored him to do so.

Luke 15:25

Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.  And [the servant] said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. 

And [the older brother] was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and entreated him. And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gave me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: But as soon as this your son was come, which has devoured your living with harlots, you have killed for him the fatted calf.

The parable concludes with the father explaining why his actions were appropriate and why the older son should not be resentful of what was done.

Luke 15: 31-32

And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is yours. It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found. 

A Great Irony

Brethren, it is interesting that the father in this parable actually went out to meet both of his sons. 

The reaction of the younger was to beg for his father’s forgiveness and to inform him that from this day on he would honor Him for the rest of his life. 

However, the reaction of the older brother was much different. 

When his father came out and implored him to come into the house, he would not. 

In essence, he refused to honor his father’s desire to rejoice with him. 

The irony of this is too powerful to ignore. 

As the story ends the older brother has now become a prodigal himself while the younger is once again a son. 

Conclusion: 

We now come to the conclusion of thee matter.

Brethren, contrary to what many leaders in God’s Church falsely teach, the great hope expressed by the Messiah in the parable of the “Prodigal Son” has absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with how His Father allocates rewards nor is it intended to showcase the behavior of a judgmental brat for us to emulate. 

In truth it is intended to illustrate how His Father in Heaven allocates mercy. This wonderful allegory speaks volumes about a loving Father’s desire to draw those who have gone astray back to Himself. 

In essence, the message is this:  

And when you do He promises He will be there to embrace and comfort you and share His JOY at your return. 

It is then that He will present you with very special gifts that have been reserved just for you—sandals for your feet, a ring for your finger, a beautiful garment, and a wonderful feast.

In closing, the great prophet Isaiah provides words that capture the theme of the parable Jesus uttered so very long ago. It is an appeal for God’s people in all generations to come home. As you read it see if you can detect any consequence imposed on His people for past sins in their life. Sins they actually REPENTED of.

Isaiah 55:7

Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; AND LET THEM RETURN TO THE LORD, and He will have compassion on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.”

Brethren, it’s been an honor.

Volume XIV
"An American Epitaph” Part I

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