The Prodigal Son
Christopher King (Virginia, USA)
The younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. - Luke 15:13 (NIV)
Just like the younger son in Jesus’ parable, I squandered my life in wild living. Drugs and alcohol consumed me, and I became a shell of a man. Deep down I knew there had to be a better way.
One cloudy Saturday in early June 2013, I found myself sitting in front of a church in southern Delaware. I was waiting for the Narcotics Anonymous meeting to start, but I had arrived early and was the only one there. Not long after I arrived, a man pulled into the church parking lot and parked in a space reserved for the pastor. I told him my story. He listened attentively and invited me to the next day’s service when he would be preaching about the Prodigal Son. In my heart, I knew I was supposed to attend that service.
As I sat in the front row of the church the next morning, I felt the pastor was talking directly to me. Within an hour, I knew that I would never squander another day. That church welcomed me. Today I am blessed beyond compare. I am the Prodigal Son, and God has received me with love.
TODAY'S PRAYER
Dear God, forgive us for squandering our days. Help us to realize how precious life is. Amen.
--------------------------
TODAY'S READING
Luke 15:11-32
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Jesus will always welcome me home.
PRAYER FOCUS
Recovery groups
Responses