THE PRODIGAL AT HOME
“Meanwhile, the older son was in the fields working. When he returned home, he heard music and dancing in the house, and he asked one of the servants what was going on. ‘Your brother is back,’ he was told, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf. We are celebrating because of his safe return.’” “The older brother was angry and wouldn’t go in. His father came out and begged him…”
Luke 15:25-28 (NLT)
We often define prodigal by the distance traveled, but the heart can wander miles away while the body never leaves the front porch. The older brother is the prodigal at home. He stayed in the house, kept the rules, and maintained the family business, yet he was a stranger to his father. Filled with resentment, he lived like a victim.
Being a prodigal at home is a subtle danger for those of us who have done everything right. We show up to church, we volunteer, and we avoid the big sins. But over time, our devotion can turn into a transaction. We start to believe that because we stayed, God owes us.
I’ve experienced this in my own journey. After years of destructive decisions and a life far from God, I came running home. I began doing good things. Unfortunately, I slowly became the older son, filled with pride and entitlement.
The Father doesn't just want your obedience; He wants an intimate relationship. If you find yourself bitter, judgmental, or feeling like God is a demanding boss rather than a loving Father, you might be a prodigal at home. The invitation is the same for you as it was for the older son: stop looking at your performance and start looking at the Father who loves you.
APPLICATION: Examine your heart for any bitterness—the feeling that God owes you because you have sinned less than other people. This week, do one act of service that no one will see, doing it only to enjoy being close to the Father rather than trying to feel good about yourself.
PRAYER: Father, forgive me for the times I’ve stood in Your house but lived like an orphan. Help me not compare myself to others or rely on my own goodness to earn your love. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?