AVOIDING GOD
Luke 15:20-32
V. 20: “But while he was still a long way off, his Father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”
Luke 15:20-32
V. 20: “But while he was still a long way off, his Father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”
The Parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32, never mentions the son’s name. But during our lifetimes, every one of God’s children BECOMES the prodigal child. The word prodigal describes someone who’s wasteful, reckless, uncontrolled. Often parents become angry or confused, when their adorable child rebels. Our heavenly Father understands their frustration—totally!
Nodding His head, God remembers when each parent rebelled against Him—when defying a parent. Patiently watching and waiting, is He ever surprised at the parent’s or the child’s behavior? That’s exactly why Jesus told this parable—so that both kids and parents learn how God handles rebellious children.
God will never force us to obey, or remain with Him—His “free will” gift to us. Whoever has not accepted Jesus’ gift of salvation, won’t have an internal compass (the Holy Spirit) guiding him toward living right. But when believers try ignoring the Holy Spirit’s direction, insisting on following an ungodly path, God allows it.
However, there are always consequences when avoiding God.
The wayward son loses close contact with his Dad; their relationship lost top priority (PRI-or-i-tee, meaning level of concern) that it once had. The consequence is spiritual disconnect from the Father. Believers cannot successfully avoid God without first closing their minds and hearts to His call (in their lives).
The prodigal son in the parable squandered (SQWAN-derd, meaning wasted) his inheritance on frivolous (FRIV-o-lus, meaning silly, thoughtless) things. Included in the wondrous human creation package are our Father’s gifts, planted inside. Avoiding God—while pursuing personal agendas—wastes these gifts.
Discontentment becomes the prodigals’ path. Every new day finds them struggling to survive. Chasing dreams, when avoiding God, never achieves satisfaction, success, or pleasure.
The prodigal son could have been restlessness, angry, or sick of his life. All we know is that he rebelled—and his Dad released him—with his inheritance in tow.
Notice that his Dad didn’t disinherit his son. He remained a loving Dad. Our heavenly Father tolerates His kids’ adventures too, when we avoid Him. The love tether between us remains. (Our inheritance intact).
The question is: How long will God's children remain disconnected?
Take Home Nugget
Poor choices can result in lifelong regrets. But they do not have to dictate our future. Just as the prodigal son’s father welcomed him home with open arms—throwing him a party—all of heaven celebrates in welcoming home God’s wayward children.
The power in a believer’s life
Is diminished by our wayward sin.
Repentance overcomes our strife,
Forgiveness cleansing within.
J.D. Griffith
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