July 8, 2025
Coming Home - Part 2
Luke 15:14-16
07/08/2025
14 ``And when he had spent everything, a severe
famine arose in that country, and he began to be
in need.
15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the
citizens of that country, who sent him into his
fields to feed pigs.
16 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that
the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.''
(ESV)
This week we are reviewing the parable of the Prodigal Son.
As you recall, the younger of two sons selfishly asked his father
to give him his inheritance. Shortly after receiving the money,
the young man left home. Jesus continued the story:
``And when he had spent everything, a severe famine
arose in that country, and he began to be in need. So
he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of
that country, who sent him into his fields to feed
pigs. And he was longing to be fed with the pods that
the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.''
Frequently, we find that when we leave the teachings of the
church behind, we start to experience an inner longing for peace.
The world cannot give the comfort of knowing our sins are
forgiven. Therefore we look elsewhere, such as substance abuse
or reckless living or in the pursuit of power and wealth.
Nothing satisfies us, however.
There are two main teachings in the Bible. The first is the
Law, which not only keeps us from sinning because of our fear of
the consequences, but also shows us our sin. In the parable, the
young man eventually comes to understand the effect of living
apart from his father, the loneliness and deprivation which
cannot be filled by things or self-help philosophies.
We each stand accused by the Law. We look to the world for
help, but find nothing. Those things which we hope will ease our
inner pain and sorrow simply cause more problems. We are like
the young man, wallowing in the mud with the pigs, longing to
find some sort of comfort.
May our Lord use His Law to convict us of sin, that we see
our lost condition for our eternal good. Amen.