Active Theology

But when he came to his senses he said, “How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father and I will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.’” (Luke 15:17-19, NRSVUE)

The parable of the Prodigal Son is perhaps one of Jesus’ most beloved and memorable parables–and for good reason too: it narrates a relatable drama that pulls at the heartstrings of every person who reads it. In simple and plain language, we’re told about a wayward son, his rock-bottom moment, and then–in perhaps the most touching scene in the story–the father’s compassionate response to his son’s return home. Although the son was probably expecting some type of scolding or lecture from his father, he gets none. The father simply embraces him, kisses him, and announces a party will be thrown to mark the occasion. It’s a good reminder of God’s response to us when we turn back to Him after reveling in sin.

But what’s also interesting about the parable is that even after squandering his inheritance, the prodigal son’s first reaction wasn’t to return home: it was to find work from a local farmer–a job that likely paid a pittance. It wasn’t until the son “came to his senses” that he realized that life back home with his father would be immeasurably better than what he had now. Even if his father no longer financially supported him as a son, he could at least hire him out as a worker to earn a decent wage. Incurring the father’s anger would be worth the financial promise of being one of his workers. Fortunately for the son, he was welcomed as an adored son, not a disgraced family member.

Like the prodigal son, it often takes us a while to come to our senses. We often delude ourselves into thinking that the very problems our sin created can be solved through our own efforts. Struggling with the outcomes of some bad decisions? Just make good ones. Fearful of the future? Just prepare more. Our first instinct is to often put a million self-help band-aids on wounds that only the Great Physician can heal. Is that any way to live though? More than anything, your Heavenly Father wants to welcome you back into the life He has for you. Trying to fix your own mess only delays your return home to the Ultimate Source of Comfort. Is there an area of weakness in your life that you have not yet fully surrendered to the Lord? Don’t let pride hold you back. Abandon the throne of shame and self-reliance and run home to God. He’ll embrace you every time. 

Pray: Lord, thank you for caring for me and loving me even when I stray from you. Help me to rely on your strength and not my own this week. Amen.

Song: Where You Belong (feat. Danny Ybarra) by Chris Falson

by Brady Field

Brady is a high school English teacher in Olathe, Kansas. He enjoys visiting national parks, watching independent films, and spending time with his family. His next big goal is to publish a book.