You, the Prodigal. Yes, You.

The Prodigal Son

And He said, “A man had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate that falls to me.’ So he divided his wealth between them. And not many days later, the younger son gathered everything together and went on a journey into a distant country, and there he squandered his estate with loose living. Now when he had spent everything, a severe famine occurred in that country, and he began to be impoverished. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would have gladly filled his stomach with the pods that the swine were eating, and no one was giving anything to him. But when he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men.”’ So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet; and bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’ And they began to celebrate.

“Now his older son was in the field, and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. And he summoned one of the servants and began inquiring what these things could be. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has received him back safe and sound.’ But he became angry and was not willing to go in; and his father came out and began pleading with him. But he answered and said to his father, ‘Look! For so many years I have been serving you and I have never neglected a command of yours; and yet you have never given me a young goat, so that I might celebrate with my friends; but when this son of yours came, who has devoured your wealth with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him.’ And he said to him, ‘Son, you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, for this brother of yours was dead and has begun to live, and was lost and has been found.’”  Luke 15:11-32 NASB

More than one time in my life has this been me.  I would easily hazard a guess that for those reading this, the same goes for you. 

The worst part is we often get deceived into taking wrong paths in life and eventually end up repeating this lesson. 

We are very easily deceived.  People can read the beginning of Genesis and say all kinds of things concerning Adam and Eve.  Of maybe if they were smarter they wouldn't have sinned like that.  Or if they were wiser.  Stop right there.  Adam and Eve had 100 percent use of their brains.  Most today it's barely a fraction of that.

Physically they were in perfect health. 

Mentally they were perfect.  Adam made in the image of God.  Eve from the rib of Adam.  Perfect harmony between them and God.  Satan was the most craftier of all.  He is The Deceiver.  When one third of the host of Heaven fell with him.  Consider that. 1/3rd.  Billions of Angels.  He convinced that many to join him.  Angelic beings who were created to be in the presence of God.  Who knew perfection on a level we have yet to see.  Fell.

We are easily deceived.  Our wisdom is easily a snare at times when it comes to making choices and decisions.  We easily think we are good and have a situation well in hand. Pride comes before the fall. 

We fall...and the way back is hard.

The path back to a right relationship with Jesus is difficult because we keep trying to fix it ourselves or we stay too long in the wrong situation and only realize too late we overstayed our welcome. 

How do we get back?  I had to be brought to the same place as the man in the parable.  A choice to either remain in that situation, end it all or acknowledge it for what it was and turn back to God, regardless of the embarrassment or humiliation.  You look at the first words he spoke to his father.  He didn't care what was to become of him. He wanted to just be near family again.  He wanted the protection of his Father.  To know he mattered again.  His self worth was shot. Self-esteem was gone.  He had nothing to give but himself. 

So where are you?  It's not a difficult road back to God.  The son knew just where to go.  He knew and always knew.  His pride over his failures was keeping him from returning.  Your life...does it stink right now?  Tired of the struggles every day?  Tired of how things are?  Return to the Father.  Before the son finished speaking the Father's forgiveness was being poured out.  The same will be for you.