Prodigal Sons & Daughters
One of the most beloved parables of Jesus is found in Luke 15:11-32. It is the story of the Prodigal Son. Ironically, though the story itself is well known, few people know what the word "prodigal" actually means. A prodigal is not a runaway or rebel, he is a spendthrift! The word actually means "wasteful" or "extravagant." It is exactly opposite the word "frugal" in meaning. The young man in Luke 15 was called prodigal because he was a waster. Notice...
1. He Wasted His Father's Money. The Bible says plainly, "He wasted his substance..." For his money he got nothing of lasting value or eternal significance. So many people today are just like him -- wasting their material blessings on selfish impulses and passing fads. They refuse to honor their Father in heaven with their substance. They make no deposits in the Bank of Heaven. (Matthew 6:19-20). They are prodigals.
2. He wasted His Good Name. The Bible says, "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches..." (Proverbs 22:1). But, this man carelessly wasted the good name which was a part of his inheritance from his father. Many modern Christians do the same. They besmirch and defame the good name which they wear by their worldliness and unchristian-like behavior (Romans 2:24).
3. He Wasted His Abilities. In the far country he went from a life of dissipation and excess to a dead end job slopping hogs. With his whole life before him in which to accomplish good and worthwhile things he settled into the mire of irresponsibility, evasion and duties undone. We can be guilty of the same kind of waste when we are neglectful and slack in our Christian duties. Some of the hardest words Jesus ever spoke were "Ye did it not..." to those who squandered their abilities and opportunities in His service. (Matthew 25:14-46).
4. He Wasted His Father's Grace. We love the story of the Prodigal Son because he eventually came to himself and went back to his father's house. He found his father waiting for him when he got home. The father would have been just as prepared to welcome him back the day, or week, or months before. The only thing that kept him in the far country was his own unwillingness to return. Every day he spent in the far country was a day of grace wasted. It is tragic that so many people waste God's grace today by stubbornly refusing His freely extended offer of pardon.
God is willing to receive and forgive all prodigals. But they must take the first step toward home by surrendering to grace in faith, repentance and obedience. Life is sin in waste. If you have come to see the truth of that in your own life, God invites all prodigals home. He is waiting now for your return...
From Our Archives, 1995
By: Bobby Dockery