Layers of the Prodigal

I've been enjoying reading N.T. Wright lately.  When he approaches Scripture, he often talks about it containing multiple layers and then he takes time to look at each layer contained.  The story of the Prodigal Son found in Luke 15, is well-known and it is another story that contains many layers.  I want to share two resources that look at two totally different layers of the Prodigal Son story.  Both are good, both are true but I think they may speak to people who may be in different places (or else it speaks to different places in our hearts):

The first is a beautiful country song that tells the story of the Prodigal in a modern-day format (between a father and a daughter): http://youtu.be/6-1_2LEVAZQ

The second resource is a sermon by Pastor Todd Hunter called: What Do We Do with the Prodigal Bits of Us.  If you've struggled in your Christianity with constant feelings of shame and guilt - I think this sermon does a great job of reorienting your perspective to be in line with what God's original intent was for us.  Here is a snippet from the beginning:
"I almost feel like I need to apologize on behalf of my generation of Christian leaders that you have not been taught this: That there is actually a child-like, joyful-like, learning to play an instrument way of learning to follow Jesus.  It is not guilt-based, shame-based and while it has its humans up and downs about the way we feel about something... it was never intended that our journey it Christ-likeness should be consumed by negative feelings."

Finally, below is the Psalm that correlated with the sermon on Prodigal Son, a good reminder for us to live and walk in:

Psalm 32

1 Blessed is the one

    whose transgressions are forgiven,

    whose sins are covered.

2 Blessed is the one

    whose sin the Lord does not count against them

    and in whose spirit is no deceit.

3 When I kept silent,

    my bones wasted away

    through my groaning all day long.

4 For day and night

    your hand was heavy on me;

my strength was sapped

    as in the heat of summer.[b]

5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you

    and did not cover up my iniquity.

I said, “I will confess

    my transgressions to the Lord.”

And you forgave

    the guilt of my sin.

6 Therefore let all the faithful pray to you

    while you may be found;

surely the rising of the mighty waters

    will not reach them.

7 You are my hiding place;

    you will protect me from trouble

    and surround me with songs of deliverance.

8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;

    I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.

9 Do not be like the horse or the mule,

    which have no understanding

but must be controlled by bit and bridle

    or they will not come to you.

10 Many are the woes of the wicked,

    but the Lord’s unfailing love

    surrounds the one who trusts in him.

11 Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous;

    sing, all you who are upright in heart!

Praying that today you feel the depths of your Father's love for you.

In Christ,