Pastor Paul dives deep into the timeless biblical story of the Prodigal Son, using it as a lens—or "portal"—to explore our own journeys, struggles, and relationships with God. Looking at the fact that the Bible’s characters are not just heroic figures but flawed people we can all identify with at different points in life.

Paul opens by reflecting on how we often seek immediate gratification, likening the younger son’s demand for his inheritance to modern "Door Dash" culture—wanting everything now without patience or wisdom. He relates this to our everyday struggles: rushed decisions, broken relationships, and the consequences of living in what we call a "distant country"—a place far from God, marked by poor choices and spiritual famine.

We’re brought to think about the Prodigal Son’s return—not just his recognition of his mistakes, but his willingness to "get up and go" back to his father. Paul stresses the importance of owning our failures honestly, without blame or excuses, contrasting this with common cultural messages about self-worth. The son’s humility in asking to be treated as a hired servant shows repentance, but the father’s loving interruption—clothing him in the best robe, putting a ring on his finger, and celebrating—reveals God’s grace that covers our mistakes fully. The son doesn’t reject the father’s love or the restoration offered; he lets himself be loved and restored and we’re encouraged to do the same—to stop carrying shame and accept God’s forgiveness and belonging. A challenge for us "in a distant country"—whether in broken marriages, addictions, or spiritual dryness—to come to our senses and return to God, who eagerly awaits with compassion.

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