Lessons from the Prodigal Son – Part 3

“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! Luke 15:17

The Prodigal Son’s journey to ruin didn’t happen overnight. It was a slow, steady build-up, like cholesterol in your arteries. He took his father’s blessings for granted and stopped being grateful. No wonder the Psalmist wrote, ‘Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: who forgives all your iniquities…heals all your diseases…redeems your life from destruction…crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies…who satisfies your mouth with good things…’ (Psalms 103:1-5). The Prodigal Son was from one of the best families in town, yet he ended up penniless, friendless, eating with pigs, trying to satisfy a legitimate hunger in an illegitimate way. Why do we go on drinking and drug binges, or work ourselves to death and sacrifice our families in the process? Because inside each of us is an emptiness that nothing and no one but God can fill. Jesus said, ‘When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself…I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned…”’ (Luke 15:17-18). If you let Him, God will stop you in the nick of time. He will remind you of who you are and where you belong. You will start seeing the mud you’re wallowing in, the false friends, the empty achievements, the people around you who are no happier than you. If that’s where you are right now, come home. Your Father is waiting to wipe your slate clean. He still loves you. Tell the devil, ‘I’ve changed my mind. I’m going home.’

Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for always keeping the light on! In Jesus’ Name, Amen