The Lost Son

The Lost Son

Why did this son want to leave his father’s house? Because he was tired of being obedient, tired of denying himself, and tired of doing good. He was the younger son, so he most likely hadn’t yet harvested the fruit of his walk with God. The wait was too long. The way was too narrow, and the gate was too strait. His love of the way, the truth, and the life had grown cold. So he left and lived for himself according to where his lusts led him.

His situation wasn’t all that bad as long as some of God’s blessings remained, but when they ran out, the new glory came to an end.

Who could give him anything in that foreign land—he who had the calling in his heart to be a son? It ended with his food being religious talk, the same food that was given to the rich and satisfied pigs. Then he came to himself. Now his eyes were opened and he admitted that he had made a bad choice. He was tired of all the noise and carousing among the false, free friends. Now he realized how far away he had come from healthy food and sound doctrine and the bad state he was in, he who had once been well-off at his father’s place. Now he wanted to return to his father’s house. Even if he couldn’t be a son, he was content if he could just go home. Home to the Father’s will, to obedience, to peace and joy in God.

There was bread in his father’s house, and he didn’t have to starve to death.

And so he went home.

God does not repent of His gifts and of His calling; He received him with great joy. They made a great feast for him when he came home.

Let this teach us to be watchful so we do not make mistakes like this. And furthermore, he who has left his father’s house must see to it that he quickly returns home.