Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. “Not long after that, 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. When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’”

I think this is such a fascinating story on a few different levels. The first part looks at rebellion. As a parent, I can see this type of rebellion in the ranks and have heard of kids that have totally gone out on their own and in effect demanded inheritance, somewhat dishonoring their father’s leadership. But there is more application than just that. All of us have a little rebellion in us before finding Jesus, and after Jesus it is a temptation we must resist.

Rebellion can take many shapes and forms. For many it looks like jumping into sinful coping mechanisms when we feel unloved or under appreciated. Not trusting God’s faithfulness in a tough situation and just throwing in the towel can be a form of rebellion. When we take matters into our own hands instead of seeking out Godly counsel, then we rebel against the will of God. The Lord’s Prayer teaches us to have the right focus with the phrase: “thy kingdom come, thy will be done”. Yet so many times in my life, I have been more focused on my will than God’s will.

And then there comes the day we hit bottom, experience the full results of life controlled by “me”. And this is the place we can begin to change our perspective from.

So yes, I can relate to the prodigal, because I have been rebellious in my own ways to God over time. I keep praying about this more and more lately … I just don’t want to mess up God’s plan by giving in to the temptation to take matters into my own hands. He is sovereign! He is Lord! And I am but his humble servant!

Lord, take the heart of this man and make me a better hearer of your words of truth and a better follower of your will and your ways. Help me to trust you in all circumstances!