The parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) is one with which many people are familiar. This is the third of a 3-part series looking at the various mindsets of the son as the parable progresses. Make sure to read Part 1 and Part 2.
Hitting “rock bottom” is difficult. This is exactly where the main character of our story finds himself. Desperate. Destitute. So, hungry he considers eating food being given to pigs (Luke 15:16). Yet, in this state – a moment of clarity. The prodigal son looks at his surroundings as says:
How many of my father’s hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men. (Luke 15:17-19)
Wow. What a transformation. Just a short time ago, we saw a man so eager to fulfill his own desires that he would have rather his father be dead – and now he recognizes the goodness of his father. He moved from haughtiness to humility. He came to recognize the blessings that came from relying on his father to provide for him, accepting his father’s guidance rather than seeking his own way, and accepting his father’s provisions rather than depending on his own capabilities. In fact, his father’s goodness was so great that even the servants fared better than this son on his own merits and abilities. And so the son determines to ask his father for the role of a servant in his house to be back under the protection and care of such a good man.
The humility to accept God’s goodness, rather than seeking satisfaction from the world is foundational to our relationship with God. James helps to expand on this idea in his epistle. He begins chapter 4 by talking about the ruin that comes from a love of the world and of self over a love for God. When we make friends with the world, we become hostile toward God (James 4:4b). It is only when we recognize that we are nothing without Him that things change:
But He gives greater grace. Therefore He says: God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be miserable and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you. (James 4:6-10)
Perhaps you can imagine the relief the prodigal must have felt knowing he was returning the stability and peace he had known before he chose to shun his father. Perhaps you have felt that relief yourself when pursuing your own wisdom has taken you far from God, and you have returned to Him, humbled.
Perhaps you are longing to feel this relief and are currently burdened by the cares of the world. Our Father stands waiting for our dedication or rededication, just as the prodigal son’s father stood at the gate and rejoiced immediately on the return of his son.
If you are not living your life for the glory of God, this message belongs to you. Your sin and shame may be great or small. The Lord recognizes all penitent returning children the same, and His welcome arms stand waiting to rejoice and bring you peace.
While we’ve reached the end of the son’s story, join us next week to consider another element of the story. In the meantime, I pray that you’ll continue to seek Him.
To give credit where credit is due, the idea for this series came from my lovely, supportive wife who helped with the content and editing of these last three blog posts. (and the one to come next week!)
Leave a Reply