AG Evangel Daily Meal, 5 August 2024: Come Home, Prodigal Son. God, rich in mercy, has been waiting to receive you back.
DATE: Monday 5th August, 2024
TOPIC: COME HOME, PRODIGAL SON
📖 TODAY’S TEXT:
Luke 15:11-24
🔑 KEY VERSE:
"Come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD, Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow…" (Isaiah 1:15, NKJV).
🖊️ Evangel Daily Meal 5 August 2024 COMMENTARY
This story is popularly tagged “The Parable of the Prodigal Son.” It is the most familiar story in this chapter. The word “prodigal” denotes one who wastes or “wasted.” The passage also emphasizes the role of a yearning Loving Father. According to Jesus, a certain man had two sons (v. 11).
The younger son came up with the idea of collecting his share or inheritance (v12). Properties are normally divided among children after parents’ death; though, sometimes, a father could distribute his wealth during his lifetime if he so desires.
According to Jewish custom, the younger son’s share of the father’s estate would have been one-third, with the older son receiving two-thirds (Deut. 21:17). The younger son was both impatient and rebellious.
He collected his portion and travelled to a far country (vv. 13-16). He was far away from parental guidance and interruption. He felt he was grown up. enough to take care of himself and to enjoy life. He claimed to be a big guy.”
But life in the far country was not what he expected. He ran out of money, his friends abandoned him (v. 14). According to Thomas Huxley, “A man’s worst difficulties begin when he is able to do just as he pleases.” When a believer claims to seek freedom, he/she is heading for trouble. There is no genuine freedom apart from Christ.
“Beware of covetousness” (Luke 12:15) or so-called enjoyment. In his quest for money, he was hired to feed swine and even desired to feed on the pods that the swine ate (vv. 15-16). What a humiliation! When he came to his senses, he decided to return home (vv. 17-20). His father received him back (vv. 20-21 ); dressed him with the best robe, put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet, killed one of the best animals for a welcome party (vv. 22-24).
The father in this parable symbolizes the attitude of God toward sinners who repent. Prodigal brother/sister, God who is rich in mercy (Eph. 2:1-10) has been waiting to receive you back. His arms are wide open to receive you.
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📜 ONE YEAR BIBLE STUDY PLAN
2 Kings 22-23: 2Chronicles 34-35
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🎚 CONTROLLING THOUGHTS
No matter how far you have gone away from the Father, He is still waiting for you to return home. The sooner, the better!
🙏🏿 PRAYER
O God, l may have strayed from you, please help me to return today. Amen
Read All Previous Evangel Daily Meal Devotions
Also Study: Rhapsody of Realities 5th August 2024: Preparing for Our Eternal City
Jesus Trends Salvation Prayer
Heavenly Father,
I come to You in humility and repentance, acknowledging my sins and my need for Your grace. Lord Jesus, I believe You are the Son of God, who died for my sins and rose again to give me eternal life. I confess You as my Savior and Lord.
Forgive me, cleanse me with Your precious blood, and fill me with Your Holy Spirit. I turn away from my sinful ways and open my heart to You. Take control of my life and guide me in Your truth.
If you joined in that life-changing prayer, congratulations! We are happy that you have surrendered your life to Jesus!
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AG Evangel Daily Meal, crafted by the Assemblies of God, provides daily spiritual nourishment and inspiration. This devotional reaches believers worldwide and offers biblical insights, encouraging messages, and practical life applications. Each day’s entry is designed to strengthen faith, deepen understanding, and promote spiritual growth. Subscribe to AG Evangel Daily Meal and become part of a global community experiencing daily renewal and empowerment through God’s word.
