Devotional thoughts on Luke 15:11-24

By Rachel Friel

Each day Christians face an unseen spiritual battle. We are called to live in this world yet not love the ways of the world (1 John 2:15). Nonetheless each day we are surrounded by the American dream which tells us we need bigger houses, newer cars, better bodies, higher positions at work, the trendiest clothes. What is God’s response when our faith dwindles, embracing the world’s thoughts—when our faith fails the test?

The Prodigal Son

The youngest son in Luke 15 asked his Father for an early inheritance and then left home, “squandered his wealth in wild living” (v.15). Soon he was completely out of money, hungry, and homeless. 

We are often similar to the prodigal son. We wake up each morning thinking how we can fulfill our desires that day. We look in our closet full of clothes, thinking we have nothing to wear; we stop by Starbucks for that $4.00 cup of coffee; we drive to work in our newest clothes and nice cars; then we come home to entertain ourselves by watching the news without even recognizing this day is from the Lord. Nothing is set apart in our lives to show we are followers of Christ. Soon we come to realize this type of life can never satisfy, the chase for fulfillment can never fulfill.

Our Loving Father

Do you realize that our Father wants to share every moment with you? He is always thinking of you. In Psalm 139: 17, 18 we read that God’s people are so cherished by him that he thinks of them at all times, even in this very moment. The prodigal’s father is an example of our heavenly Father, always waiting with open arms to embrace us, to share life with us, day after day after day, showering extravagant love on us from sunrise to sunset. When we look to Jesus to fill us, we become like a tree planted by the water, an oak of righteousness for the Lord (Isaiah 61:3). 

As the prodigal son’s father watched and waited patiently for his son to return home, your heavenly Father is waiting and watching for you, to shower blessings and love on you as you pilgrim on your journey here on Earth. Turn your eyes away from the world. Lift them heavenward to your true portion and strength. 

Rachel Friel is a second grade teacher in Yadkinville, North Carolina. She loves reading, camping, hiking, sharing her love for Christ, and sharing life with her fun husband, J. J.