Come to Yourself

By: Lynn Morgan

We've all heard the prodigal son story many times and from different points of view. Something that I've been seeing here as of late that I haven't before has been stirring me to see more. It always amazes me how God can reveal more on something we think we've got a handle on. It's so true though. There's just no end to His truth.

What I've started to see is about the relationship the prodigal son had with his father. He was one of two sons. Upon the son's request, the father divided all that was to be his, and not many days later, the son packs it all up and leaves. Now Jesus precedes the prodigal son story with teaching about repentance, and we know that this comes into play after the prodigal loses everything. Verse 17 of Luke 15 says, "And he came to himself..." Jesus paints a picture like only The Master can of the heart of our Heavenly Father.

This man's son reduced his relationship with his father down to only goods, stuff, monetary possessions that were marketable in this world system. Can you imagine the pain the realization that although you love this child more than your next breath, he considers you and your feelings as nothing caring only for what he can get out of you? Then proving this to be so by leaving almost immediately.

What was said as he left? Well we're not told this. Did he tell his dad "I'll see you in a month", where he was going, or of his intentions? Maybe I'll send you a letter? I wonder did he leave without anyone knowing he was gone until after he was out of sight? Maybe feeling a tad bit guilty not wanting to see the sadness in his dad's face? All we know is what Jesus shares with us in Luke 15. But even though the father knew full well that the son in his youth, inexperience, and heartlessness toward him had lost a fortune. The prodigal son's father exposes the heart of The Lord God Almighty toward us as only Jesus can. The verse in Ephesians 2 and verse 4 comes to mind. "But God who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us."

​We are not loved because we deserve God's love but because of the richness of His mercies.

Scripture teaches us that His mercies and compassion fail not, and they are renewed every morning. This is something that's available to the child of God because of the precious blood of Christ Jesus. We have forgiveness of sin; it's part of our covenant. Jesus provided for all who will receive. This came at a great price, but it's a free gift for the asking.

Do you need to "come to yourself?" You can. Jesus is seated at our Father's right, interceding for us right now. If The Spirit of God is drawing on your heart, turn toward home. Your Father wants to completely restore you. He loves you so. He knows everything, and He loves you anyway. Repentance is a great gift to us. We can be specific, and we should be. God will not be shocked. Love covers a multitude of sins. Only God can do this for us. He knows just how much we need Him. Know this, when we turn toward God, we always find that He is so very close, closer than we thought.