A Pause to Ponder God's Word
“Coming to Our Senses”
Luke 15:11-31
There he sits peering through the slats of the pigs' pen. His mind is whirling behind his blank stare. It made so much sense to him then, get his inheritance now. Why should he have to wait? He had plans and dreams that couldn't wait until dad was dead. Requesting his portion early did not seem out of line. Surely his dad knew he didn't wish him dead. He just wanted the money now rather than later. It was probably selfish to ask, possibly insensitive, but it did make sense, then.

His stomach growled reminding him that he had not eaten anything substantial in weeks. The pigs' fodder was looking appetizing. No one around to help now. The friends disappeared when the money ran out. It only made sense to throw those parties. How else could he connect with the movers and shakers? What better way to get his name out there? To impress? To have fun? Beside, that is what life was all about; going for the gusto, living life to the full.

Yes it only made sense, then. Now, poor, broken, lost with the pigs demanding his attention he truly came to his senses. In these moments of inspired lucidity he realized that his father’s slaves had it better than he did. The “give me” attitude and the “I know what is best for me” philosophy no longer made sense. He recognized that such was the way of destruction. Grabbing for life leaves on empty handed and lifeless. The sensible thing now was to return home and offering himself as a servant to his father. No son-ship for him. He forfeited that right. His father would be justified not taking him as a servant. But possibly in his mercy he would grant him the privilege of being a servant. No more “give me” for him. Now it is “make me”.

Having come to his senses, he lifted himself out of the pig pen and made the trek home. Falling before his father in repentant submission with quivering voice he blurts out his speech; “I am no longer worthy to be a son. Please father, make me one of your servants that I may serve you faithfully.” Astonishingly the father reaches out a helping hand. Helping the son to his feet, he throws his arms around him and restores him to son-ship while he orders the servants to prepare a festival to celebrate his son’s return!

Wait! This father had two sons. Where is the second son? He is outside. He cannot believe what he sees. This doesn’t make sense. His father comes to him. The son is angry, refusing to enter. “I have worked hard for you never giving you any grief and you never have thrown him a party. What is the deal here?” His father explains; “Your brother was dead, but is now alive! Was lost but is now found! You have always had access, but have not received.”

Have to wonder; will we come to our senses or remain outside?

Keep Close to Jesus
Pastor Gerry
 


A Pause To Ponder God's Word is written and distributed by Gerald Whetstone, Ordained Elder and teacher in the Church of the Nazarene. These devotionals may be transmitted, duplicated, used in part or in entirety without permission for nonprofit purposes only. Responses welcome. To Subscribe Click Here.
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