“For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.” Luke 15:24

It is never too late to make a fresh start with God. The familiar analogy of the Prodigal Son reminds us of God’s amazing grace to bring reconciliation to the lost. The term prodigal is defined as one who spends his inheritance or funds on extravagant living.

Luke gives us a detailed account of a young man who demands his portion of inheritance from his father. The father granted the son’s wish. The problem was not in asking but in the way he chose to live and use the substance given to him from the father. We must remember that we will one day answer for the way we use the talents and gifts that our Heavenly Father has given to us. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” 2 Corinthians 5:10.

It was the beginning of a tough lesson for the prodigal son. He fell on hard times when his funds ran out. Times became so hard that he found himself eating the husk that was given to the swine. It is often said that the grass always looks greener on the other side. What appeared like a glorious lifestyle was now his worst nightmare. Satan often camouflages those things that will destroy us and makes them seem desirous of something we just cannot live without. “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” 1 John 2:16.

God knows each of His children and has no respect of persons, He has given us a free will to make our own choices. Yet, nothing will happen to us outside of His permissive will. He is all about our spiritual growth and development; therefore, He sends test in our lives to teach us the lessons that will always point us to faith and dependence on Him.

The prodigal son came to his senses and recognized that his father’s servants were treated better than his current circumstance. He decided to return home as a hired servant; the account takes a wonderful turn as he arrives home, his father was watching and waiting, “And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.”  That day the father sent for the servants to welcome his son home with full privileges of a beloved child!

Reconciliation always brings joy in Heaven. God’s amazing grace provides His best to those who humbly come seeking Him for salvation and restoration. God is gracious and longsuffering towards us all. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9.

Yes, it is inevitable that we will certainly mess-up in life; but we have this assurance, that our Heavenly Father is watching and waiting to welcome us back home! ““For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.” Luke 15:24. 

We can always run to the foot of the cross and receive God’s forgiveness and innumerable blessings prepared for all His beloved children. His love is unconditional! 

God blessings and peace to all!