Scripture: Luke 15:13-16
“Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.”
Some Thoughts
When the “Trinity of Self” was worshiped, it rewarded the indulgent worshiper handsomely. Welcome to the world of “self” son. Should we be surprised that no one gave him anything? That is one of the sorry benefits of this kind of worship; you are on your own. Look with whom he was spending his time and money. This was not a community that was known for giving or forgiving, certainly not sharing. This was the gang of the Trinity of Self, the takers. You see, in this world, it is only a pretend community. That truth became particularly evident when everything headed south for the son.
He was not in Jewish country. He lost his inheritance in a Gentile country, grounds for excommunication. Feeding the pigs was the lowest, degrading job for a Jew, a kind of Jewish Skid Row. He was truly in exile from his father. He personified a disgusting fool. Look at all the people and corporations today who have squandered their wealth on irresponsible living, people with their hands out wanting their share of the stash. Observe all those living beyond their means expecting someone else to bail them out after all, you don’t need to make a payment now . . .or ever. Politicians make a living promising more and more appealing to the envious and greedy. Please note, we speak here not of those who have genuinely fallen on hard times not of their own making, but of those who are absorbed with self, pleasure, and instant gratification.
We see the seeds of humility being planted in the son’s soil of desperation. His loneliness became overwhelming and spurred him to change his course and repent. He began to doubt the value of this “Trinity of Self.” Look for people in your life today who may be in the son’s situation and extend a hand in whatever way to bring them encouragement and hope. There is a little ToS in all of us. Perchance you may even be that person who left home. Go back home. Ask your heavenly Father forgiveness. You won’t be disappointed at his response.
Music: “Goin’ Home,” Libera The voices of angels!
Prayer: Lord, I am blind and helpless, stupid and ignorant. Cause me to hear, cause me to know, teach me to do, lead me. ―Henry Martyn, 1781-1812