Luke 15:14

New King James Version

But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want.

For Meditation

The grass looked greener on the other side, its lushness and promise of a better life too alluring to resist. The stories from the distant country were too enticing to overlook, so he dreamed about it until its savor overpowered the young man. But there were two problems. He did not have enough money to embrace the life the distant country offered, and his father was alive so he couldn’t access his portion of the family estate. Contrary to the culture of the time and the father’s chagrin, the young man took the chance on the alluring attraction of the distant country and asked for his portion of the family estate that was due him only at the father’s death. The father painfully agreed and said goodbye to his younger son, knowing how treacherous his adventure would be (Lk. 15:11-13).  

It is a parent’s pain to see their child make a life-changing choice they know would lead them into dangerous situations and experiences they could not handle. Many young lives have fallen on altars of false promises and alluring imageries of distant cities and countries. The results have always been regrettable, yet millions take those chances daily. The horrific stories of lost lives on the desert trails and across the oceans in search of “a better life” could not stop these adventures. Hopefully, the success stories displayed on social media platforms will lose their charm for many after they reconsider the life and fate of the younger son in the Parable of the Prodigal Son before he returned home, his heart heavy with regret. 

Try to imagine the pain in the heart of God when Adam and Eve walked away from the beauty and grandeur of Eden at the lure of the distant country, the serpent’s deception (Gen. 3:1-19). This ‘experiment’ refers to the choice Adam and Eve made to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, which plunged humanity into rebellion and sin, resulting in the catastrophic world we have inherited that continues to enslave millions. God knew we could not handle the responsibilities that knowledge would open to our first parents, so He warned them about its consequences. The devil’s smooth talk stole Eve’s heart and that of Adam through Eve, which is the world’s story.

Thank God for Christ Jesus. His redemption plan has worked salvation for us (Jn. 3:16). The story and proposal of the cross are ridiculous, much like the serpent story of Numbers 21:4-8 in the wilderness. That, however, is the foolishness of the Good News we proclaim that saves those who believe (1 Cor. 1:21). “For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom” (25). Therefore, if you can get past your human wisdom to believe the Gospel, Christ will become for you “wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption” (30).

The Prodigal Son came to his senses, returned home in repentance, and reconciled to his loving and waiting father (Lk. 15:17-27). You, too, can do the same today and come running into the loving arms of a waiting heavenly Father for your salvation (Acts 3:19; 8:22; 17:30; 20:21; Rom. 10:9-10-13).

Pray with Me

Father, help us trust your wisdom and forsake that of the world. We lean on your saving grace through Jesus, your worthy Son and only Savior. We pray for all who are struggling with the decision to believe in you and turn their lives to you. May your Spirit condition their hearts to receive faith and believe in Christ for salvation. Thank you in the precious and matchless name of Jesus, amen.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com