Prodigal Returns

dictionary.com defines prodigal as: Spending money or resources freely and recklessly; wastefully extravagant.  A person who spends money in a recklessly extravagant way.

There is a story (parable) in the gospel of Luke 15 about a prodigal son.  The parable tells of a father with two sons.  The younger son asked for his share of the inheritance.  The father gave him the share of inheritance and the son went away with his wealth.  He squandered his money and became destitute--as far as desiring the scraps of pigs.  He realized his father's servants were well fed and a better state than he.  He decided to go to his father and seek to become a servant as he felt unworthy to be called son.  As he returned his father saw him from a distance and went to him.  The father threw a big party and celebrated the sons return.

This parable came to mind as my daughter has returned home.  I'm grateful for her to be home and received her with open arms.  Her story is a bit different than the prodigal son's but there was also similarity.  It seemed more appealing at the time to live in another city with her father.  The reality was much different.  As I thought about this it occurred to me that we are all live the prodigal son and my daughter.  We all desire what we 'think' is the better option when in reality God knows what is best for us.  1 Samuel 15:22 says But Samuel replied: “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.  God desires our obedience...He demands it.  Jeremiah 7:23 says "but I gave them this command: Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in all the ways I command you, that it may go well with you."
As a fallen woman (man) we all stumble at times.  Praise God we have a loving Father that will receive us when we come to our senses and repent.  God receives us with open arms and celebrates our return.  Deuteronomy 4:29-31 tells us But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul. When you are in distress and all these things have happened to you, then in later days you will return to the Lord your God and obey him. For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your forefathers, which he confirmed to them by oath.

Whether you find yourself as the father or the prodigal today remember to seek God first.  Matthew 6:33 says But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  and Matthew 7:6-8  “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

My heavenly Father is ready to receive you and through a party in celebration of your return!