Above is the video I put together in honor of Father's Day and in conjunction with the morning message, Hope For Every Man. The message revolves around the story in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 15, the story of the lost son. Here's a quick hit of the thoughts from the message...(if you'd like to listen to it, go to our media page at: www.hutchfirst.com):

#1: This is subtitled, "The story of the lost son," in many versions of the Bible, but it's clear from the context there are two sons in this story. So my question is, "Which one is lost?" I don't think it's 'either/or,' but rather, 'both/and.'

#2: The younger son, even though he isn't the rightful heir, wants his inheritance now! He demands his portion of the estate immediately, before his respectable dad is even dead.

#3: Notice also, that even though the young man is gone, he's not forgotten. That's such a great picture of God's love--even though we might purposely run away and forget about Him, He doesn't forget about us! The Jewish father in this story must have wondered about his son constantly, because Jesus explains that, "while (the son) was still a long way off," on his way back home, "his father saw him." (see Luke 15: 20a)

#4: This is the part I really get stoked about: When the lost son comes home, the father runs to him and throws a huge party! I read an article about ancient Middle Eastern customs, and how running was considered shameful.
(Here's that link: http://trevinwax.com/2007/12/03/prodigal-son-9-the-running-father/)

#5: That's one son, but there's another. And considering the older son's response (in Luke 15:25-26) it's clear that living in the father's house, doesn't always mean your close to Dad. The older son comes home, hears the party, and rather than ask his Dad what's going on, he asks one of the servants.

#6: Finally, the last nugget in this great father-son story is, the grace of the father reaches out to both sons. The Dad in this story displays tremendous patience, self-control, grace and mercy to two boys who somehow haven't developed his honorable character. This is such a valuable truth for all of us to remember--men and women alike--God is always willing to reach out to us where ever we're at in our journey!

I'm so glad that God still runs to welcome His lost children home! He wants to make sure He's the first one to meet us, and has waited to tell us, "I still love you!" He hugs us, clothes us properly, and serves prime rib!