August 3, 2025

In Luke chapter fifteen Jesus teaches about the nature of God, the nature of man and the nature of rebellion. Jesus tells us about a man who had two sons, the younger of the two asks for his inheritance early and then uses the money to leave his fathers house and go out on his own to a far country. While there he squandered his inheritance with reckless living. Eventually that country experienced a famine and the man had to get a job working for one of the people there who gave him a job feeding his pigs. He was so hungry that he longed to eat the food the pigs were given. While there he came to his senses and thought to himself how many of my fathers servants have more than enough to eat? I will return to my father and admit I was wrong to leave and ask if I can be just one of his hired servants. When the man returned his father saw if far off and in compassion ran to him hugged him and kissed him. The son admitted that he had wronged his father and sinned against heaven. He said “I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” His father called his servants and had them bring a new robe and a ring and shoes and to kill a fattened calf for a celebration. “This my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!”

The sons rebellion was a wicked betrayal but that did not stop his father from loving him. Similarly our sin is a betrayal as we use the very freedom and power God had given us to turn away from him. God doesn’t stop loving us, instead He like the father in the parable is waiting in hopes that we and all men would realize our mistake and return. God doesn’t force us into a relationship or build fences to keep us from leaving the house. Rather he continually shows us his love and grace in hopes that we will learn that life apart from him is empty and return. 

Before we leave this story we need to consider one further point. What do you suppose happened to the son who returned a week later or maybe a month later? We would like to think that his lesson was learned and that he never again challenged his father or desired to go to a faraway land and waste his resources. Reality however teaches us that is not the way of man. When the son was ready to take on some of the household finances do you think he said, well I know dad would do it this way but I think this risky investment could pay off bigger? Do you think when it was time to marry he thought I know dad has arranged for a good wife from a good family but there is this girl at the market who is always showing off her wears. The fact is submission is hard; we are extremely good at convincing ourselves that we know better than God and will just do this one thing our way. 

Let’s take some time to consider why submission is hard, what methods we use to justify ourselves, and what areas of life we especially struggle to submit to God.

~ Kevin Cleary