This is a GREAT book.  It is short, easy to read and yet so very profound. I loved this book.

Although I have used the term prodigal many times and have spoken on the passage in Luke 15 which is the basis for this book, I guess I really never knew what the word prodigal meant.  It means recklessly extravagant or having spent everything.  So this book is about our prodigal God who is recklessly extravagant when it comes to grace.

The book also points out the two very distinct ways that we can be separated from God.  The younger brother represents one way, self discovery and the older brother represents the other way, moral conformity.  As it turns out Jesus was telling this story to people in both groups, sinners and tax collectors and Pharisees.  His message was always better received by the first group than the second. 

Keller points out that a church that has too many elder brothers in it is in trouble.  A church should be attracting many more people who are on the path of the younger brother who are searching for elusive peace and joy but have come to their senses and turned to the father. 

While the older brother on the surface appears to be morally on track in the end he reveals his true motives when he becomes angry over the grace that the father extends to the younger brother.  This shows that he ultimately wanted his father’s things more than he wanted his father.  When push comes to shove he proves to be selfish and self centered.  Churches in America are full of elder brothers.  They are the ones who appear to be Christ followers but who become angry when the best parking places are given to the guests.  They are the ones who want to hear their favorite style of music rather than a style that allows the younger brother to engage in worship.

I am so blessed to be a part of a church full of people who are concerned about the younger brother and passionate about helping him find his way home.  They are people who realize that our only hope is God’s reckless grace.