Revealed: The Prodigal Son Who Never Left Home

Daily Devotional – Tuesday, September 14, 2021

Therefore, let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

1 Corinthians 10:12 (NKJV)

One of the most famous parables in the Bible is that of the prodigal son. When we reflect on our sinful past and God’s forgiveness, we see ourselves in the lost son. However, how many of us can identify with the first-born son, the one who never left home?

From casual observation, this son represents what all of us want to be – faithful Christians who remain in the presence of God always.

How, then, do we react to the fact that this ‘good’ son “…was angry and would not go” into the party prepared for his returning wayward younger brother? (Luke 15:28, NKJV).  

He complained that his father had never hosted such a celebration for him, despite his exemplary character. With bitterness, he told his father, “… as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.”  (Luke 15:30, NKJV).

The older son is the real prodigal son. He may not have left home but he was lost. When we lack love for others, especially those who return to God in repentance, we are lost despite being active in the service of God.

Instead of focusing on the sinful past of repentant sinners, should we not seek to support them in their walk with Christ?

To avoid getting lost while in the house of God, let us heed Paul’s counsel, “Therefore, let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:12, NKJV).

Father, now that I know there is a risk of being lost while in your service, help to be loving, kind and forgiving to others.