April 22 2025

Tuesday April 22

Luke 15:14-19 – The Prodigal’s Turning Point

“But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want. Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’”

In Luke 15, Jesus, in response to the criticism of the Pharisees tells three parables about lost things. I couldn’t help but notice that even though Jesus loved and cared for the multitudes, He never forgot the “one” person that needed help. One hundred sheep, one is lost, and He looks for it. Ten silver coins, one is lost, and He looks for it. Two sons, one is lost, and the Father waits patiently looking for him to come home. Jesus cares about you!

The story of the prodigal son is probably one of the most read and liked stories in the Bible. We can relate to it in some way! Either we have strayed ourselves, or someone in our family that is dear to our hearts has wandered far away from God. This parable, told by Jesus, is about a young man who demands his inheritance, leaves his father’s house, and squanders everything in reckless living. By verses 14-19, he’s hit rock bottom—broke, alone, and feeding pigs, a degrading job for a Jewish man. Yet, in this low moment, something shifts. He “comes to himself” and resolves to return to his father, not as a son, but as a humble servant. This is a story of sin’s consequences, repentance, and the hope of restoration.

The prodigal’s journey shows us the deceptive nature of sin. Interestingly, he left home, like many young people, thinking they are looking for themselves, but in the process they in reality lose themselves. He thought leaving his father’s house would bring freedom, wealth, and joy. Instead, it led to slavery, poverty, and despair. Sin promises much but delivers little. It lures us with the illusion of control and happiness, only to leave us empty, like the prodigal longing for pig food. This passage reminds us that a life apart from God is a “far country”—a place of spiritual famine where nothing truly satisfies. The prodigal’s hunger wasn’t just physical; it was a soul-deep longing for meaning, love, and home.

Yet, this low point becomes a turning point. His suffering wakes him up. He remembers his father’s goodness, and how even the hired servants have bread to spare. This contrast between his misery and his father’s generosity sparks a change. It’s a powerful reminder that God often uses our struggles to draw us back to Him. The prodigal’s pain helped him see his father in a new light, stirring hope that maybe, just maybe, he could return.

Did you notice the phrase “he came to himself”. It suggests he’d been living as someone else, lost in sin’s madness. Repentance begins with this awakening—a moment of clarity where we see our true condition and God’s better way. The prodigal didn’t just feel sorry; he acted. He resolved to arise, go to his father, confess his sin, and humbly seek a place in the household. True repentance involves the mind, heart, and will: recognizing our sin, feeling sorrow for it, and choosing to turn back to God.

This passage challenges us to “arise and go” and examine our own lives. Are we in a “far country,” chasing things that promise happiness but leave us empty? Maybe it’s a habit, a mindset, or a pursuit that’s pulling us from God. Like the prodigal, we need to “come to ourselves.” What’s one area where you’ve wandered? What’s keeping you from returning to the Father’s house, where there’s bread enough and to spare? God’s grace is waiting, but it requires us to humble ourselves, admit our sin, and arise and act.

I’ll never forget the old invitational hymn we used to sing in our churches, “Lord, I’m Coming 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. Coming home, coming home, Nevermore to roam, Open wide Thine arms of love, Lord, I’m coming home.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your relentless love that calls us home, even when we’ve wandered far. Open our eyes to see where we’ve strayed and give us the courage to arise and return to You. Forgive us for chasing empty things, and fill us with Your grace and truth. Help us take one step toward You today, trusting in Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God bless!