Sermon Audio (Lent 2): The Lure of Distance

The second sermon during Lent, on the Parable of the Prodigal Son is about the 'Lure of Distance'.

You can listen or download the sermon by clicking HERE.

My Text is V13 of Luke 15:

Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living.

What’s happening here?

It’s a Middle Eastern tragedy. That’s what’s happening.

It’s about a younger son, who left home, shaming his father. He walked out taking all the money he could from his father. He traded his relationship with his Father for cash, and his cash for pleasure.

And – presumably – he went looking for the life he wanted. So the story is also about a search. A desire for a better life in a distant country. A yearning; an experience; a thrill; a fantasy.

Now, my question for today is simply this: What is the Lure for the Younger Son? What is the Lure of Distance? Why do many of us want freedom from responsibility & work? And even some relationships?

The text gives us no motivation. He asked, and he left. V12.

• Maybe he was done with the hard work.
• Maybe he was tried of waiting.
• Maybe he wanted to impress his mates.
• Or spread his proverbial wings.
• Maybe he didn’t like his Dad anymore.
• Or was tired of his sanctimonious brother.

I argue in this message that their are at least 2 attractive things about distance:

1. The son thinks it’s a better life in the distant country.
(This is a question of Pleasure.)

2. He thinks he will discover himself in the distant country.
(This is a question of Identity.)

Listen HERE.

__________________________________-