Never Forget What It’s Like to Be Lost
By David Faust
Sometimes the far country seemed like a bad dream. He was older and wiser now, but he still remembered the dark season. His stomach churned when he recalled the bitter taste and sickening texture of the pods he ate with the pigs. His senses recoiled when he thought about the hangover headaches and the smell of sour wine that lingered after long nights of partying in the far country. How empty his soul had felt back then! Separated by choice from his father’s domain, he tried to live it up, but instead he sank to new lows.
He still remembered the moment when he came to his senses. “Hired workers in my father’s house have it better than this,” he reasoned. Arriving back home, ashamed and apprehensive, he was astonished when his father embraced him again as a full-fledged member of the family. Even his older brother’s negative attitude didn’t dampen the homecoming celebration. The table was spread and his father’s joy was unrestrained. Relieved, the happy patriarch kept repeating, “My son was dead, but he’s alive again!” Music filled the air and dancing filled the house, along with joyful hugs and tears. His redemption story could be summarized by the nickname “P. S.”—Prodigal Son.
But now the memories were fading—and so was the amazement. As time passed, P. S. grew accustomed to the comforts he enjoyed every day in his father’s house. He took for granted the hearty meals, the ring on his finger, and the robe on his back. The party ended a long time ago. Now what? Many years had passed since P. S. came back home. What would the postscript be?
HAVE WE FORGOTTEN?
The truth is, we all have been prodigal sons and daughters. Have you ever wandered from God and squandered your resources, wondering if the Father would welcome you back? In a sense, it’s every Christian’s story. We sing, “I once was lost, but now am found,” because even if it’s a distant memory, we treasure the story of redemption.
As time passes, though, it’s tempting to forget the prodigals and become like the grumpy older brother. Despite occasional conflicts with our brothers and sisters, it’s pretty pleasant here in the Father’s house. The table is spread. Familiar friends greet us. It’s easy to become so comfortable and complacent that we forget what it was like in the far country. Worse, we forget that many of our neighbors are living there right now.
WELCOME HOME
Maybe you became a Christian after your own rebellious season in the far country. Or perhaps you never strayed very far away. Either way, we should never take for granted the blessings found in the Father’s house. And we should keep praying and searching for those who have wandered away, and we should do whatever we can to bring them home.
God’s welcome party isn’t over. Will we joyfully join the festivities, or will we become resentful and demanding like the pouting older brother? Will we come to our senses and rediscover God’s abounding love for lost people? When we do, our worship services will become homecoming celebrations again. Every baptism, every prayer, every song of praise will remind us of the Father who runs with open arms to welcome his beloved children back home.
Personal Challenge: How is your life different today because the heavenly Father welcomed you back to his family? What can you do to make your church a welcoming home for prodigal sons and daughters?
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