Who Is God? Discovering the Heart of a Prodigal Father | Yountville Community Church
Who is God, really? Discover a powerful picture of God’s love through the story of the Prodigal Son and learn how grace—not performance—defines your relationship with Him.
A Question That Changes Everything
Who is God?
It’s a simple question, but as A.W. Tozer once said, “The most important thing about you is how you see God.” How you answer that question shapes everything—your choices, your relationships, your sense of purpose, and even how you respond to life’s challenges.
At Yountville Community Church, nestled in the heart of Napa Valley, we believe the Bible is more than just a book—it’s God’s story. And more importantly, it’s His invitation to know Him.
But what if many of us have misunderstood who God really is?
More Than a Story About Us
Many people approach the Bible thinking it’s primarily about them—their struggles, their growth, their journey. But the truth is, the Bible is first and foremost about God. It reveals His character, His heart, and His relentless pursuit of humanity.
And nowhere is that more clearly seen than in one of Jesus’ most famous stories: the Prodigal Son.
Except… it may not actually be about the son at all.
The Story That Reveals God’s Heart
In Luke 15, Jesus tells a story about a father and his two sons. One son demands his inheritance early—essentially wishing his father dead—and then wastes everything on reckless living.
Eventually, broken and empty, the son decides to return home—not as a son, but hoping to earn a place as a servant.
He prepares a speech:
“I’ve sinned”
“I need you”
“I’ll work to earn my place back”
Sound familiar?
Many of us believe that’s how God works—that we have to earn our way back to Him.
But what happens next flips that idea completely upside down.
A Father Who Runs
Before the son can even finish his speech, the father sees him from a distance… and runs to him.
He doesn’t wait.
He doesn’t lecture.
He doesn’t demand repayment.
Instead, he embraces him.
Then he does something shocking:
He gives him the best robe (restoring dignity)
He places a ring on his finger (restoring identity)
He puts shoes on his feet (restoring belonging)
He throws a celebration (restoring joy)
This isn’t a story about a son earning his way back.
It’s a story about a father who never stopped loving him.
The Real Prodigal
The word prodigal means extravagant, excessive, lavish.
We often think the son is prodigal because he wasted everything.
But look closer.
The father is the one who is truly extravagant:
Extravagant in mercy
Extravagant in grace
Extravagant in love
He gives more than what is deserved.
That’s who God is.
Grace Over Performance
This story challenges a deeply rooted belief: that acceptance must be earned.
The younger son thought he had to work his way back.
The older son believed he had already earned his place by being “good.”
But both missed the point.
God’s love is not based on performance—it’s based on relationship.
You don’t earn your way into God’s family.
You’re welcomed into it.
Two Ways to Miss God
Jesus ends the story with a second son—the older brother—who refuses to celebrate.
Why?
Because grace feels unfair.
He had followed the rules. He had done everything right. And yet, his reckless brother receives the same love.
This reveals something important:
There are two ways to be far from God:
Running away from Him (like the younger son)
Trying to earn His love (like the older son)
Both miss the heart of the Father.
What This Means for Us in Napa Valley
Here in Yountville and throughout Napa Valley, life can be full—busy schedules, beautiful surroundings, and plenty of distractions.
But even in a place known for abundance, many people still feel something missing.
Why?
Because no amount of success, comfort, or “stuff” can fill what only God can.
The invitation remains the same today:
Come home.
Not to earn.
Not to perform.
But to be restored.
So… Who Is God?
God is not distant.
He is not waiting to punish.
He is not measuring your worth by your performance.
He is a loving Father.
A Father who:
Sees you from a distance
Runs toward you
Restores your identity
Celebrates your return
And maybe most importantly…
A Father who wants you not just on His property—but in His arms.
Your Next Step
If you’ve ever felt far from God—or unsure how He sees you—this story is for you.
You’re not as far as you think.
There’s still time to come home.