The Lure of the Distant Country

Luke 15:13

New International Version

“Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living.

For Meditation

Taking your life into your own hands is the most outrageous thing to do. It may seem the best thing for now, but not really.

Your calculation is incredibly positive and enticing. The stars come dancing before you, and heaven drops in your lap without the Jesus of the cross. No choice is better than your plan, and your decision has no room for reason. However, it is fraught with unnecessary pain and suffering—a self-destructive proposition.

What you do not consider is that you control nothing. You do not know the environment as much as you think. It is easy to forget that the weather can change abruptly, leaving you in the rain without an umbrella. Worse, you cannot command the rain to stop.

There are helpers along the way, too. Demolition is their business, and they are costly too. They know how to get you to pay without realizing the cost until they drain you and leave you holding your empty cashbox. You will wake up to a deserted house if at all you have a roof over your head.

The prodigal son illustrates this too well for us (Luke 15:11-24). The distant country held everything for him. Life under the authority of his father had become burdensome. He would fare better on his own—in that faraway country—to be his own boss. So, he claimed his future inheritance and left.

The rich always receive the best reception everywhere. Once your economy looks good, your manners are bearable, even admirable—well, for the time being. Applause is never in short supply until the well dries, and heaven withholds its treasure of rain (13-14).

Now, look at yourself—gaunt and lonely! Where are the friends? What to do now? The dream has ended and left you gazing at the ceiling, struggling for understanding. The network has rudely cancelled the reality show, and no producer takes your call.

But God is merciful. He is a God of second chances. When you realize your folly and turn to Him with a contrite heart, He comes running to embrace and cover you with kisses (20). It is because of His great love; you are still alive. His compassion never fails. They are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness (Lamentation 3:22-23). The prodigal got restored to sonship with a grand feast and joyful celebration (Luke 15:22-24).

You may have strayed to that distant country. God awaits you, my friend. You are the reason Jesus suffered and died on the cross. He has spent everything to redeem you—to get you out of that rut. Just lift your eyes to Him now, whatever condition you find yourself in. Confess your sins, and take the first step of faith back to Him. He will do the rest. He will rescue you from that dark country and bring you into His eternal home with celebration (Colossians 1:13-14; Luke 15:10).