In Luke 15 we find the story of a man who had two sons. The younger son demanded his inheritance and left home.
Luke 15:13 & 14 "And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land: and he began to be in want."
We see here a young man who had it all. He had a father who loved him, a good home, an inheritance. But he threw it all away for the pleasures of the world. For awhile it seemed to him that he was living the good life. Unfortunately when his money left so did his friends. He was in want and it says nothing about his friends that lived the riotous lifestyle with him, being there in his time of sudden need. His situation got so bad that he found himself working in someone's field and eating the corn husks that were meant to feed the pigs!
Luke 15:15&16 "And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him."
Wow, his fortune sure had changed. He had it all when he lived with his father, but lost it all when he turned to the world. Does that sound like us? How often in our elevated opinion of ourselves do we think we can take the treasures that God has given to us, leave His care and go into the world to live as we want...with no consequence? When we are saved we are adopted into the family of God, we are joint heirs with Jesus.
Romans 8:16 & 17 "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs: heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ:"
Galatians 3:29 "And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."
Galatians 4:7 "Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son: and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ."
What are the treasures that as a child of God we squander in selfish thoughtlessness in the world? We squander the grace, peace, mercy and comfort of God, just to name a few. Colossians 2:3 also refers to wisdom and knowledge as treasures that we have through Christ. What does the world give us in return? James 5:5 tells us, "Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton." The world WILL turn its back on you once it has helped you waste the blessings and goodness that God has blessed you with. I'm not talking about wealth as we think about wealth, I'm referring to the treasures of God that are ours because of our status as heirs of God through Christ Jesus His Son.
There is hope though for those who have turned their backs on God and decided to go their own way. Once we realize the terrible mess we've made of our lives there is something we can do.
Luke 15:17-19 "And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants."
He repented. He saw the sinfulness of his actions and he desired to go home and make things right with his father. That's all it takes from us. When we're guilty of going off on our own, rejecting our Father and wasting our inheritance, all it takes is repentance for us to come home. We need to see our sin, repent of our sin and ask forgiveness of our Father. Its so simple, yet because of pride many continue on in the squalor of the world instead of enjoying the splendor of renewed fellowship with God!
Was his father happy to see him, or was he angry at his son for wasting the inheritance?
Luke 15:20-24 "And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him: and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it: and let us eat and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry."
There was no hesitation with the Father in accepting his child home again. He was so happy that his son had returned that they had a party! Our Heavenly Father waits with open arms and a longing heart to welcome His wayward child home again as well. The son was immediately elevated to his rightful place in the home, with all the privileges that went with that status; and the wayward child of God will have his/her rightful place in the family of God when they cease looking to the world and its fleeting pleasures.
Jeremiah 3:22 "Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings. Behold we come unto Thee: for Thou art the LORD our God."
Where are you content to live, in the squalor of this worlds filth or in the splendor of God's promises? It's easy to come home.
I've wandered far away from God, Now I'm coming home;
The paths of sin too long I've trod, Lord, I'm coming home.
I've wasted many precious years, Now I'm coming home;
I now repent with bitter tears, Lord, I'm coming home.
I'm tired of sin and straying, Lord, Now I'm coming home;
I'll trust Thy love, believe Thy Word, Lord, I'm coming home.
My soul is sick, my heart is sore, Now I'm coming home;
My strength renew, my hope restore, Lord, I'm coming home.
Coming home, coming home, nevermore to roam.
Open wide Thine arms of love, Lord, I'm coming home.
William J. Kirkpatrick
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