When reading the story of the prodigal son, most people say the younger son, the one who demands his inheritance early, is the 'lost son'. But prodigal by definition means "recklessly wasteful, or to squander." So this son, who is indeed lost by the father's own admission at the end of the story ("this son of mine who was once lost is now found"), has by his own choosing, lost his identity as a son of his father and instead taken on the identity of one who is reckless and wasteful.
Not known, chosen, cherished or loved.
And in the process of this pushing away from his father, he loses himself. He loses his purpose, his calling, and again, his very identity.
He has traded the life he once lived to become eventually become worthless, unimportant, and poor.
But his loving father knows something he does not. That the world is not a nice place. And that despite his faults, his ill choices, he is still the son of his father. Nothing can change this. His status as his father's son does not change. The value that that very statement holds does not wane.
He is his father's child, who loves him with a love that is immeasurable.
So upon his return, what a surprise that his father would lavish him with such love, as to re-establish all that had been formerly lost. To draw him back to his side, and claim his identity has not been tarnished.
It's the same for us. When our poor choices push God away from us, he waits us out. When we figuratively wander the streets, looking for our next meal, and longing for the day when we were by God's side, He's there just waiting for us to return home.
And upon that return? Re-uniting ourselves with Him, He re-establishes the connection we have assuring our identity in Him.
The Father-child identity.
A King's kid.
Authorized to stand before the throne.
Assured of the ability - the right - to ask for guidance and direction, comfort and protection.
Known. Chosen. Cherished. Loved.
