In the message “Their Field of Pigs” we considered the parable of the prodigal son and were encouraged to remember that God will use every tool available (even pigs) to draw His children Home. Our highest desire for those who are lost must be to see them secure in the arms of God. Notice that in this parable there is no mention of the father between the time the son left and when he returned home. The father appears to have watched his son leave and then simply waited for his return.
But the father must have known of his son’s condition while away; “this son of mine was dead and is alive again” (Luke 15:24). There must have been many reports of the son’s activities which were openly discussed with the rest of the family: “The older brother became angry…’this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home'” (Luke 15:28,30). And yet, while the son was away, the father never once stepped in to “rescue” him.
Was the father lazy and uncaring? Was this simply the product of a macho culture that didn’t show much emotion? Or rather, was this a father who truly knew how God’s grace could work a difficult situation toward a wonderful good?
James 1:2-4
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
We often reference this passage during times of personal trial. These verses encourage us to understand the purpose of our difficult times and to trust God so fully that we actually rejoice because we know He is using our trials to make us complete.
Many of us understand and at least try to apply these verses in our own life. But it’s an additional step of faith (a very big step) to trust and apply these verses in the life of others – especially those we dearly love. If we are to rejoice in our own trials because of the good being worked within us, there is also a sense in which we should rejoice in the trials of others.
As painful as it must have been, the father allowed God to complete His work – even though it meant his son would actually long to eat with the pigs! And yes, this father loved his son.
When someone we love goes astray, let’s continue to lift them up in prayer; always let them know they are loved and continually speak a gentle message of truth. Let’s NEVER give up hope, but let’s allow God to finish the glorious work He’s begun. Let’s trust Him above ALL else and love enough to let go.
Have a Christ Centered Day!
Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries
**** Reading Plan ****
May 1 Judges 13:1-14:20; John 1:29-51; Psalm 102:1-28; Proverbs 14:15-16
May 2 Judges 15:1-16:31; John 2:1-25; Psalm 103:1-22; Proverbs 14:17-19
May 3 Judges 17:1-18:31; John 3:1-21; Psalm 104:1-24; Proverbs 14:20-21
May 4 Judges 19:1-20:48; John 3:22-4:4; Psalm 104:25-35; Proverbs 14:22-24
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God has truly inspired you work. You seem to hit where ever the hurt is with my family. I have sent a request to all my face book friends and I have my husband and mother reading your daily emails also. My husband and myself are leaving the milk stage and learning ” how to trust God to handle all our problem, and learning that we should be grateful for the hard and hurtful times we are going through, that it is God’s way of, getting us on our knees and trusting him. Because we can’t control what is happening. The lesson being “let go & let God with all our problem” and all else. I really want to get this rite the first time. I don’t want to go through it again. It’s gut wrenching and heart breaking. Sorry for rambling, Thank you for your daily email, they help. In God’s Love, Pam
Thanks Pam! I pray that God will make your path abundantly clear and that you will have the boldness to follow!
Blessings,
Steve T.