Prodigal Son

Let’s talk about the change process, using the Prodigal Son as an illustration. You’ll find this story in Luke 15:11-18, and we’ll focus specifically on verse 11.

In verse 11, we see an agitated soul who wants to leave and live life on his own terms. He asks his father for his share of the inheritance to go and do his own thing. This is what he does in verses 13-15, where we see a life of hedonism and self-centeredness. He is determined to live independently and indulge his desires.

However, as often happens in these stories, he eventually reaches the end of himself, finding himself in a hog lot. At this low point, a transformation begins in his soul. This is where I want to draw your attention, especially for parents with wayward children or those discipling others.

We exist in this space between verses 12 and 17, often not knowing where someone is in their journey. Is the person at verse 13, just beginning their path of hedonism? Or are they at verse 16, about to come to their senses in the hog lot of life? We don’t know. Therefore, as those who water and plant, we must be careful, guarding our hearts and being patient. We cannot manipulate or force righteousness, nor should we despair because we don’t know where they are on their relationship with God.

We trust, water, plant, hope, and pray, doing what we believe we should in our interactions with them. We hope they will come to their senses, just as the prodigal eventually did. He saw the light, returned to his father, and they reconciled with a celebration. We know how the story ends, but in the meantime, we must recognize our role.

As Paul said in 1 Corinthians 3:6, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” Many people live between verses 12 and 17, wondering when their child or friend will come to their senses. We must faithfully water and plant, trust, and pray for the day when the light comes on in their lives.