For those who may feel spiritually disconnected in their relationship with Christ, I want to provide you with some encouragement by using a popular passage of scripture. The story of “The Prodigal Son” can be found in the 15th chapter of Luke, verses 11-32. In this story, a father has two sons that were responsible for contributing to the family by working on the family estate. The youngest son eventually grew weary of his responsibilities and requested to receive his inheritance.
This was especially uncommon during this time because inheritances were usually given out after the death of a parent. Nonetheless the father agreed to give the youngest son his inheritance early. Many of the family members, including the elder brother, were upset by this, because families in their culture functioned in a tribal capacity. This meant the decision of one family member affected the whole family in some way.
Disregarding the feelings and opinions of the other family members, the youngest son took his portion and traveled off to a far land. Upon his arrival, he began to engage in frivolous activities, which led to him squandering his inheritance and eventually winding eating in a pig pen. One day he came to his senses and though to himself “even the servants in my fathers house eats better than this”. So, he began to make the journey home, and to his surprise he saw his father running towards him with a loving embrace, happy to see him.
The father had come out every day, looking and hoping for his son’s return, ever since the day he left. What was supposed to happen when the son originally left was a public shaming ceremony called a Kezazah, in which a clay pot was broken on the family’s property line, indicating that a person has been officially cut off from the family, and could no longer return to the property.
Instead, he received the unconditional love of his father, who not only welcomed him back, but he also gave the son his robe and signature ring as well. In this story it is blatantly obvious that the son did not deserve the endearment that he received upon his return, but the point of the story is for us to know that no matter how far we roam, or no matter how disconnected we feel, our heavenly Father is just waiting for us to come home.
Be honest and transparent to him about how you feel in your prayers, commit yourself to reading the Word, and make sure you have solid accountability. These tasks may seem difficult and overwhelming at first, but once you commit yourself while asking the Lord for strength, things will begin to come together.
Reflection Questions
- What are some distractions that are keeping you from spending quality time with God?
- Is guilt or shame making you feel like God is done with you?
Prayer
Father in the name of Jesus, I pray that whoever is feeling disconnected from you knows that your love is unconditional and never failing. Whether its guilt, shame, or any other reason, I pray they know they can come to you with a humble and repentant heart, and you will not turn them away. Give them the strength to endure and learn from the trials that life throws their way, as well as a passion for reading the word and spending time in prayer. Give them solid accountability that will encourage and challenge them to become everything that you called them to be. In your son Jesus name we pray, Amen.