Lead With That!

On the weekend of August 19-20, 2023 a man was arrested for lighting 12 small fires in various outdoor areas of Frankston, where he was living rough. August gets very cold in Melbourne, so it’s no surprise he wanted to be warm.

Amazingly, not one news outlet led with the other way the man attempted to stay warm. At the police station, when officers searched him, two live ducklings were found in his underwear.

Now, I don’t know if ducklings are particularly warm, but what I do know is that two ducklings in your underwear beats 12 small fires, any day. So, why didn’t anyone lead with that?

There’s another extremely well-known story with a buried lead. Most of us have heard it and even used it to describe someone who is wasting their opportunities. “He’s a bit of a prodigal son,” we say. “She wouldn’t be struggling if she wasn’t such a prodigal.”

The prodigal son is a well-known story told by Jesus about a rich kid who said, “Dad, I’m tired of waiting for you to die. Give me my half, NOW.” Amazingly, the father does it. The young prodigal takes his new bank account to the city and wastes it on everything warm and shiny. A few years later, the money is gone.

The buried lead – The Loving Father – waits at home, pacing the porch, hoping for his son to come home.

All the while, the older brother gets up at dawn, heads into his father’s fields, and returns after sunset. Everyday. A hard worker.

One afternoon, the prodigal comes home. He’s wearing torn, dirty clothes. He’s been living rough. Who knows, he may even have some ducklings in his underwear. He’s not the same rich kid who left home. He’s hoping to be a servant, not a son. But the Loving Father runs to greet him, gives him fresh clothes and shoes and invites everyone to a huge party that night, for his lost son who has come home!

As the older son is putting tools away in the barn, he hears singing in the house. He asks a servant what is going on.

“Your father is throwing a party for your brother! He’s home!”

The older son refuses to go inside. So, the Loving Father comes out to him. “Your brother is home. The lost is found! The dead is alive! You have been living a life of plenty every day. You can have a party anytime you want. Come inside. Welcome your brother home!”

This story should not be called “The Lost Son” as it is in many modern Bibles. In reality, there are two lost sons. One ran away. The other got lost at home. Both lost their love for the Father. We are all one son or the other, at times.

The true lead character in the story is revealed at the end. God – The Loving Father – loves you and is generous and welcoming in every way. This is what Jesus meant by telling the story. God has a place prepared for you in his house. Lead with that!

Come join us at Mooroolbark Grace Communion Church any Sunday morning at 10:30. The party is just getting started, and you are welcome!