“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. Luke 15:20 (NLT)
I suppose that we naturally return to themes that are real and pressing in our lives. Watching people that we love walk away from us, and even more critically, walk away from the Lord is difficult and heartbreaking.
A number of things transpire in our minds when prodigals depart. We may think of things that we could have done differently. No one is perfect, and the enemy who specializes in accusations, makes the effort to bring guilt and shame to us. Looking backwards is of limited benefit. While we can’t change the past, examination can teach us some things.
To adapt a phrase, “prodigals are going to prodigal.” It does not have to be because something was wrong at home. It could be curiosity over what is available out in the world. Some people are born restless. There are many lessons to learn, but this time we see that “The Father Stayed Home.”
Sin and Truth
Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. John 17:17 (NLT)
Spiritually speaking, why do prodigals go? Is it willful rebellion, or curiosity that the “grass is greener on the other side of the fence”? There are truths in God’s word that are well established concerning how we are to live and conduct our lives. Everyone who sins is breaking God’s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God. 1 John 3:4 (NLT)
Newton’s 3rd law of thermodynamics states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Prodigals do not just rebel against God’s authority, they reject natural parents and authorities as well. Earthly fathers and mothers must consider and understand the impact of how they react.
There is no question that the allure of the world is powerful. Of Moses it is said: He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin. Hebrews 11:25 (NLT). There is no denial that sin brings pleasure, but it is ultimately unfulfilling.
Why is it important that the father stays home? When the prodigal inevitably comes to the end of himself, he will remember the goodness of the father, and desire to return home, but if the father compromises with the truth in an attempt to preserve relationship, both the parent and the prodigal will be without a home.
A Place to Call Home
You already know these things, dear friends. So be on guard; then you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing. 2 Peter 3:17 (NLT)
When relationships are damaged because of sin, heartbreak is inevitable. When those who are close to us choose to reject the Word of God, we are also confronted with a choice. Do we stand firm, or do we begin to question the validity of scriptural teaching regarding sin, particularly sexual morality?
In recent years, a few high-profile pastors and other Christian leaders, have reacted to the revelation of their child’s “alternative lifestyle,” by saying that they have found a new interpretation of Scripture. In other words, present circumstances have affected their interpretation of God’s Word.
Although I have gleaned many things from the Parable of the Prodigal Son, only recently have I begun to realize the significance of the idea that the Father stayed at home. He did not move closer to the prodigal. He did not send him more money when the inheritance was exhausted. Although we have no record, we can be certain that he continued to pray, entrusting his son to God’s care.
Eventually, the man’s son came to his senses and returned home. How sad it would have been if the son had returned to his father’s house, only to learn that the father had moved. There is a grave danger in moving from a solid foundation to the shifting sand of cultural trends in morality.
How sad it is for prodigals to return home only to find no one there. Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love. 1 Corinthians 16:13–14 (NLT)
Look to Jesus
So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NLT)
It will never be easy to stand against the tide of popular culture and beliefs. Earlier we referred to Moses and the choice he made to reject the enticements of pleasure and sin that were found in Egypt. He was able to do this because “he was looking ahead to his great reward.” The writer of Hebrews would go on to say: and let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Hebrews 12:1–2 (NLT)
Jesus put family relationships into perspective by saying: “If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine.” Matthew 10:37 (NLT)
It may be tempting to chase after prodigals, or to be moved from a steadfast, secure position in Christ in an effort to stay connected, but the only way is to remain in Christ. Removing ourselves from the vine means that we no longer are in a safe position. Chuck Girard recently went home to be with the Lord. He wrote this line in a song titled “Two Hands.”
Accept Him with your whole heart
And use you own two hands
With one reach out to Jesus
And with the other, bring a friend.
We are only useful to others if we remain in contact with Jesus. It was not easy, but in the end, the father was ready to welcome the prodigal home. It was a secure, familiar place. The Father stayed home.
Steve Ekeroth