Why Running or Playing It Safe Both Fail
Scroll to read a recap of Pastor Caleb Culver’s sermon from August 17, 2025!
Life has a funny way of dividing us into two groups. On one side, there are those who break the rules and run off to “find themselves.” On the other hand, there are those who play it safe, do what’s expected, and try to earn approval by getting everything “right.”
But here’s the catch: both paths can leave us just as lost.
That’s exactly what Jesus was showing in one of His most famous stories—the Parable of the Prodigal Son. At first glance, it looks like a story about a rebellious kid who wastes his inheritance and eventually drags himself back home. But it’s more than that. It’s a story about who God is, who we are, and how easy it is to miss His heart.
It begins with the younger son asking his father for his share of the inheritance, long before the father has died. In that culture, it was like saying, “I wish you were dead. I want your stuff, not you.” And shockingly, the father gives it to him. He doesn’t punish him—he lets him choose his path.
The father in the parable is a lot like our Heavenly Father. He doesn’t force Himself on anyone. He gives us freedom, even when we run, squander His gifts, or hurt ourselves.
As expected, the younger son leaves and blows through everything. Before long, he’s broke, hungry, and working with pigs. Jesus uses this moment to show us what life looks like when we run from God’s inheritance: we’re never truly satisfied, and we end up emptier than before.
Eventually, he “comes to his senses” and decides to go home. But even then, his plan is self-serving. He practices a speech, hoping to manipulate his father into hiring him.
However, this is where the story takes a surprising turn. While the son is still far away, the father sees him. He runs toward him, throws his arms around him, and welcomes him home. In that culture, dignified men didn’t run. But this father doesn’t care about dignity—his love moves him to act.
Instead of punishing him, the father restores him. He gives him a robe, a ring, and sandals—symbols of belonging, authority, and freedom. It’s pure grace: the love of a parent who seeks nothing but to love their child.
Meanwhile, the older brother, who stayed home and did everything right, is furious. He refuses to join the celebration. Even though he never left physically, his heart was just as far from his father’s. He believed love had to be earned.
This is Jesus’ point: there are two ways to be lost. You can run away from God, or you can try to save yourself by being “good enough.” Both paths miss the Father’s love.
But the father’s heart is the same for both sons. He loves and longs for both to return home—because that’s what a father’s love is.
Here’s the twist: the “true older brother” is missing from the story. The one who should have gone out to bring the younger son home never appears. That’s because Jesus is pointing to Himself. He is the true older brother—the one who left heaven to come find us. He gave everything, even His life, to bring us back to the Father.
Jesus leaves the story open-ended. Why? Because the story is really about us. Which son are you more like? The one who ran? Or the one who tried to earn it?
This is the heart of the gospel. It’s not about what we’ve done—good or bad—but about what God has done for us through Jesus. On the cross, His arms stretched wide, just like the father’s embrace, welcoming us home.
The only question left is—will you receive it?
Tap to watch Pastor Caleb Culver’s full sermon on Youtube.
Here's a 5-day devotional guide based on this sermon:
Day 1: The Relentless Love of the Father
Reading: Luke 15:11–24
Devotional: The parable of the Prodigal Son reveals the depth of God's love for us. Like the father in the story, God's love is not dependent on our performance or worthiness. He eagerly awaits our return, ready to embrace us with open arms. Today, reflect on times you may have felt distant from God. Remember that no matter how far you've strayed, His love remains constant. How might fully accepting this unconditional love change your relationship with God and others?
Day 2: The Danger of Self-Righteousness
Reading: Luke 15:25–32
Devotional: The older brother's reaction in the parable highlights the pitfall of self-righteousness. His anger and refusal to join the celebration stem from a belief that he deserved more due to his faithfulness. This attitude can creep into our spiritual lives, causing us to judge others or feel entitled to God's blessings. Today, examine your heart for any traces of this "older brother" mentality. Are there areas where you feel you've earned God's favor? Remember that grace, by definition, is unearned.
Day 3: The Joy of Repentance
Reading: Luke 15:1–10
Devotional: Jesus tells the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin to illustrate the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. This reveals God's heart for the lost and the value He places on each individual. Repentance isn't just about feeling sorry; it's about turning back to God and experiencing the joy of restoration. Reflect on your own journey of faith. When have you experienced the joy of returning to God after a period of wandering? How can you cultivate a heart that continually turns towards God?
Day 4: The Cost of Grace
Reading: Romans 5:6–11
Devotional: While God's grace is freely given to us, it came at a great cost to Jesus. He willingly took our place, becoming our "true older brother" who searched for us at His own expense. This sacrificial love is the foundation of our salvation. Today, meditate on the depth of Christ's sacrifice for you personally. How does understanding the cost of grace impact your view of God's love? In what ways can you live out your gratitude for this incredible gift?
Day 5: Embracing Our Identity in Christ
Reading: Ephesians 1:3–14
Devotional: Both sons in the parable struggled with their identity - one trying to find it apart from the father, the other trying to earn it through good works. In Christ, we receive a new identity as beloved children of God. This identity is not based on our performance or worthiness, but on God's choice to adopt us into His family. Reflect on how truly embracing your identity in Christ might change your daily life. Are there areas where you still struggle to accept God's love and approval?
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