In the Parable of the Prodigal Son, we learn several lessons.  The first lesson tells us how circumstances can be when we stray far from God: “The younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living.  After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need.  So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs.  He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.” (Luke 15:13-16)

     The son asked for his inheritance from his father, and after receiving it, embarked on what originally seemed like a dream come true but turned into a nightmare.  This is the kind of thing that can happen with sin—it starts out fun, but leaves us broken, damaged, and divided. 

     Even in our continual sinning, God doesn’t stop loving us.  He loves us because he gives us free will, but he also loves us because he wants us back—to return home to him where we belong.  And we can urge those who are wandering, telling them, “God wants you back.  He loves you.”

Prayer: Dear Lord, our hearts go out to those who have strayed from you.  You want them back, and we want them back.  We pray that they may find their way home to you.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.