It has been said that the parable of the prodigal son is the most beautiful story ever written. It is told by One who knows best the hearts of many prodigal sons and daughters, Jesus Christ. This miniature gospel is so rich in spiritual truth, that its indescribable wealth can never be depleted. It is a story relevant for every man and woman of every age because we all find ourselves in some sense the prodigal son. 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! Luke 15:17 (KJV). The most potent words found in this pericope are: when he came to himself. After he was beside himself; after he was destitute and alone, this impetuous young man makes a startling discovery. The prodigal was fortunate enough to discover early in life what millions of people have yet to discern and that is the real meaning of life, the true meaning of personal freedom and lifes ultimate goal. Some may well ask, where does one find this elusive meaning of life? Many folks spend their whole lives without comprehending it. Others try to find it like the prodigal; far from home, far from the Father. Then, disillusioned with their lives in the far away place they come to the conclusion that life is meaningless. It is understandable in a way because those who refuse the new life only Christ can give cannot find any meaning to life. Without Christ, life has no meaning. It is impossible to experience the good life without the Source of all good. Jesus puts it this way: apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5c. If we do not have Christ, we do not have anything. Then there are those who try to find meaning for their lives, again like the prodigal, in physical pleasures and self-indulgence. But man was created in the image of God and for God. We were given life to please our Creator, not ourselves. When we live only for ourselves, the only one we please is Satan. Jesus made it plain when He said, He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters. Matthew 12:30. There can never be purpose and meaning in life when a person gives himself only to himself. When the prodigal had spent all (and it went quickly because it is always easier to spend than to gain), he had to accept the lowliest job for a Jew; to feed the unclean swine. But the worst was yet to come. How sad that he had to sink to the bottom of lifes junk pile before he discovered the true meaning of his life. How unfortunate that he had to wallow with the filthy animals before he came to himself. He had left his home searching for freedom outside the narrow confines of his parents home, just as many young people do today. He probably thought his father and perhaps his brother, were the cause of all his dissatisfactions. So he happily left his home coercing his father into giving him that to which he had no right to in the first place. According to the then existing law, he could claim his estate only after the death of his father. But he did not want to wait; he wanted everything now. And, note, that he did not even give his father the courtesy of asking. Rather, he demanded saying father give me. His father submits to his demand and the prodigal set out on his search for freedom. But his idea of freedom proved to be an illusion, as it always does. What is freedom anyway? Individual freedom always carries with it responsibility; it has to consider others if life is to be truly free. The prodigal forgot this principle. Freedoms morality lies in the maxim, do unto others as you would have them do unto you. He finally learned this lesson but not before he had to suffer and not before he caused others to suffer. But when the prodigal came to himself, he saw that he had mistreated his father and that he had sinned miserably. Yet, how wonderful it must have been when he came to himself; when he made the stunning discovery for his life; when he came to the place of decision and said, I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Luke 15:17-19. Yes, the prodigal was big headed and nobody could tell him anything. But when he got out there, when the road got rough and the goings got tough and the hills became hard to climb, he discovered something. He learned that life was not what he thought it would be. He began to process things; began to think seriously about his situation and Scripture tells us he came to himself. Out there in that far away land, in an alien atmosphere he found himself. He came to spiritual maturity. The ancient Greeks taught; know thyself. The ancient Romans taught: control yourself. But Christianity teaches, find yourself. Jesus asked, What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits himself. So the prodigal came to the greatest of all discoveries. He discovered himself and in so doing, discovered God, or more appropriately, he allowed God to find him. He repented of his life of sin and went back to his father. Let me also accentuate something remarkable about the prodigals father. Even though he probably waited painfully for his childs return; even though in all probability he looked out the window everyday hoping to see him coming, even though he no doubt prayed long and hard that God would preserve and protect him from all harm and danger while out in the world, it is interesting to note that his father never went searching for him. He never tried to coerce him to stay home or return home. He understood what many parents need to learn. The young man had to come to himself. He had to come into the knowledge of what he had done and he had to pay the price for his own stubbornness and disobedience. And yet when he came to himself, he knew that his father would receive him if he would only return. Well, God is like that. He will not chase us around; He will not come and drag us out of the bars and dope houses, gangs and prostitution houses. He will not play hid and seek with us. But when we come to ourselves, He will receive us if we will only come home. |
