The Prodigal Son

Luke 15:11-32

I’m not a rebellious person by nature. I was an excellent teenager, and I gave my mom zero gray hairs in high school. I wish I could say the same about my first couple years at college! At first the freedom of living away from home was overwhelming, but it didn’t take long for me to embrace it. I loved it so much that I began to tell myself I knew what was best for me… after all, I was 19 years old already! 

There were lots of voices whispering in my ear during that impressionable time in my life, but my own was loudest of all. I craved independence more than anything, and I wanted to live the kind of carefree adult life I thought everyone else did. (Carefree adult life! Ha!) I knew better than anyone what I should do, and for the first time in my life there wasn’t anyone around to tell me otherwise. Thankfully I had a solid foundation in faith and family, so when my temporary wanderings led me to a place I knew I shouldn’t be, my feet knew the way home. I made my way back with a contrite heart, and though I didn’t deserve them, I hoped there would be open arms waiting for me there.

The Bible doesn’t tell us how old the prodigal son was, but he was definitely of the mindset that he knew what was best. He let himself be influenced by greed, pleasure, gluttony...and self. Sure, he had fun for a little while, but when his wanderings led him to a place he knew he shouldn't be--starving in a foreign country! --his feet knew the way home. He, too, had had a solid foundation, and his father was watching and waiting for him with open arms. Instead of being scolded for squandering his inheritance, he was treated as a son back rejoined to the family.

I think my mom spent some serious deep time with this Father: after my flirtation with rebellion, my mom was indeed waiting for me with open arms, and God had never stopped watching and waiting for my return. I can’t speak for your mom, but your Father never stops waiting for you to step into his embrace.

How different would the younger son’s life had been had he listened to the voice of his Father instead of the voice of self? How would your life be different if you were influenced more by His voice than the others whispering in your ears? Ask God to strengthen your listening ears today!