In these passage of scripture we find a young man going to his father requesting his inheritance. He was ready to be from under his father's roof and rules. He went to another land to live on his own. There was no standard or accountability for his actions and not many days after leaving his father's house, riotous living left him broken and destitute (Luke 15: 13). Things got so bad that he was ready to do things he never imagined he would do. He had to take a job feeding the pigs and his belly was so empty, that he was tempted to eat with the swine. The bible says “then he came to himself” and realized that at his father's house, there was everything he needed. He longed for what he had left at home (vs. 16-17).
The spiritual implications of this story bare a stark resemblance to the christian condition today. Many Christians have allowed current situations to drive us away from the “house” into “foreign lands." Our Father in heaven has given us His very best in Jesus. In Him every need has been supplied and every prayer answered, but the world is telling us to separate ourselves from the church and God's will. We are being influenced by emotions, circumstances and obstacles, and if we remain in those places the world will certainly tempt us to “eat with the swine.”
God's standards and statutes do not change with the events of this world. Do not let fear or pride, neither guilt or shame separate you from the love of God (Romans 8: 35-39). Whatever the circumstance, God is faithful and the heavens rejoice; to welcome His children back home. Reconciliation and forgiveness comes with humility and repentance. It is time for us to get up, repent and come back to God.
Be Blessed!
Pastor Charles Gamble
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