MORNING MANNA             11-22-22

The story of the Prodigal son is one of the most popular and profitable stories in the Bible. Some have called it “The greatest piece of literature ever written”. But remember this – It is more than a story of a man, it is the story of man! It is the story of fallen man and his need for God. It is crucial to understanding man’s nature and needs. It explains what happened to man, what’s wrong with man, and what man needs.

We can sum the story up by considering two short phrases – “give me” (vs. 12) and “make me” (vs. 19). The first speaks of his rebellion. The second speaks of his return. Driven by covetousness and his desire for control he said, “give me” and took off for the far country. But something happened between his first plea and the second plea that led to his return. We see the turning point in vs. 17 “he came to himself”. He finally realized that the father’s house was better than the far country. Now notice the result.

When he came to himself he came to the father and said, “make me as one of thy hired servants”. Before it was all about self, now he is willing to be a servant. Once compelled by covetousness, now he is content with whatever the father chooses for him. The rebel resigns himself to the father’s will. In the first plea we saw the essence of man’s problem, which is selfishness. In the second we see an example for God’s people, which is surrender to our Father’s will.

Don’t be deceived, there is no satisfaction to be found in the far country of self will. It is only when we come to God by way of Christ that the deepest desires of our heart are satisfied. Come to Him today! – HDS

David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346