‘…The younger son…journeyed to a far country…’ Luke 15:13 NKJV
The story of the Prodigal Son is especially applicable to backsliders. It speaks to those who have been raised in church, know God’s Word, have felt His presence, understand His claims, and once served Him. But like the Prodigal, they’ve ‘gone to the hogs’. Notice, he’s not called the Prodigal Sinner but the Prodigal Son, because he still belongs in the family. For the next few days let’s look at why people leave the church. First: because the blessings of Father’s house become commonplace. Notice, he didn’t appreciate what he had until he lost it. Notice also, his father didn’t kick him out of the house, he ‘journeyed into a far country.’ He left of his own free will and came back the same way. What’s the point? If God’s love can’t hold you, His power won’t force you! It’s your willing obedience that God finds pleasure in, not conforming to a set of religious rules because you are afraid of going to hell. Jesus told the story of a king who planned a wedding feast and invited different guests. What a privilege. ‘But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business.’ (Matthew 22:5 NKJV) Are you too busy for God? Are you so used to His blessings you want something different? Be warned, the road you are on leads to one place only: the pig pen. Stop, turn around, repent and come home while you still can. No matter how badly you have failed, your Father is waiting to take you back.
SoulFood: Deut 18-21, Mark 11:1-11, Ps 97, Pr 12:1-3
The Word for Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright 2012
