Review: THE LOST SHIP: A Trilogy of the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son by Stanley Simon

My Review: 

This is short, sweet, to the point, and filled with information and the meanings behind God’s word. The prodigal son is often talked about, or so it seems to me, and each time I hear about him, I seem to learn something new. God loves us and never stops. He will never leave nor forsake us, and that’s something we must remember. He’s waiting for us with open arms, even if we walk away, even if we’re gone for so long we think He’s forgotten about us. But He hasn’t, because He loves us. We are precious to him. This short book is a wonderful one to read. It could be life changing for some, and for others, a needed reminder. Five stars, absolutely.

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Summary: 

This book provides a thorough analysis of the three narratives that Jesus told while addressing the Pharisees' and Scribes' criticisms in Luke 15. Instead of using just one parable to address the audience and one issue, the author is attempting to justify the use of three nearly identical parables.

When Jesus interacted with the outcasts and wounded in society, the Pharisees and Scribes behaved as though they were God's selected people and criticized Him for it. And they wanted these people to remain rejected, wounded and lost for ever.

Some wounds were provoked by our own bad behavior, but others were inflicted by those who considered themselves God's people. Many have had similar experiences. And perhaps you are among those who have been so deeply hurt that you have confused God's imperfect people with God. Maybe you have even run away from God as a result. The author tries to address the issue from his own painful experiences and the revelation of the word of God.

Another possibility is that you feel unworthy of being restored to a warm, loving connection with God or with God's people because you have been wounded to the point where you have forced yourself into exile. Regardless of the pain you are experiencing, the mystery of these three narrations can assist you in starting a healing process that will allow you to reclaim the joy of God's presence and all the benefits He has for you. This tiny booklet will bolster your spirits if you feel hurt and abandoned by others by telling you that Jesus will stand up for you.

We see development through the three narratives, from the relationship of one in a hundred to one in ten, to one in two demonstrating God’s affection for each individual and His particular attentiveness toward all humankind.

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