I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
While the primary application of this parable has to do with the relationship of God the Father with the Jews, most of us see in it a second application having to do with our children and our desire to have an enduring relationship with them. This is especially true of the believing parent desiring a strong spiritual relationship with their children.
I propose a third application. Though it may seem weaker because we know that the pastor is not a father figure, perhaps we could view him as representative of the whole church. A member of the church leaves. We cannot stop them. We know it not their best decision. We know it is neither a biblical nor spiritual decision. We are nevertheless helpless to stop them.
They leave with all that God has given them. The gifts and callings were meant to be fulfilled in the framework of the spiritual body the Lord gave to them. Now this church will forever do without these gifts and callings. They freely spend those gifts and callings in another land. As long as his inheritance lasted, he had plenty of friends in that other land. There is no doubt that another church will accept them and gladly receive what is not theirs.
If this brother or sister has indeed walked away from the Lord’s calling, sooner or later, their inheritance will expire. I’ve known many a “faithful” Christian to have moved outside of the will of God, gladly received into a church but eventually burning out there, gladly received into another church but, burning out there, quit on the things of God altogether.
When he was come to himself. Not too many ever come to the place of humility where they will return. They come back empty. They come back with some baggage. They come back to some brethren who will have to be convinced they ought to be allowed back. Few are willing to come back.
God’s people, Jesus’s body, the local church, will welcome them home.
I pray for those who’ve taken their substance into a far country to come home.
To my readers:
Thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.
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