Written by Tracy Figley | CEO Strong Tower Christian Media
I’m still standing outside, still staring into the distance, straining toward the horizon, but I don’t yet see my prodigal coming home.
I’m certain I’m not alone; it’s a story repeated over and over in time. When Jesus tells the parable of the lost or prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32, I find myself between verse 16 and 17. There are signs that he’s not happy, that something is missing that leaves him empty inside, but sadly he hasn’t yet realized the need to come home!
My prodigal didn’t waste his life on wild living and run out of money as in Jesus’ parable and maybe that’s not the story of your prodigal either, but nonetheless, there is a painful separation.
My prodigal didn’t even necessarily leave mom and dad, but even worse, he left his Heavenly Dad. One terrible day he just announced, “I don’t believe this anymore!” Whether it was a rejection of how he was raised, an acute disappointment with God, or just the pull of the world, for him it was over.
I wouldn’t be sharing this story if it were just my misfortune. I know many are heart-broken by a similar tragedy.
So, as I searched the scriptures for comfort and encouragement, I found some verses I’m clinging to: Proverbs 22:6 Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. Then there is Matthew 7:7 Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking and you will find. Keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you.
So, with these in mind and knowing Jesus loves our prodigals more than we, let us, like the father in Jesus’ parable, keep praying and keep straining toward the horizon until we see them coming home!
