Asking Only Workman's Wages

Scripture: I’ll get up, go to my father, and say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired hands. Luke 15:18-19

Observation: There is a common understanding of the story of prodigal son that says, when the son has realized his errors, he finds the courage to return home to beg to rejoin his family. That isn't the case - the son returns home to request to become a bond servant. He doesn't seek to become part of the family, he seeks a job ... we wants to be paid wages, not inheritance. In other words, he doesn't even have an aspiration to be the son anymore, but rather he hopes he can just be a person who works hard enough to earn what he needs to survive.

Application: I remember this attitude about salvation ... that maybe, when I returned to God, I could then do the things I needed to do and work hard enough to just have a decent life. Maybe I would change, be a better person, and that would make things go better for me. Of course that isn't how it works. Instead, God just loves me, adopts me as his son, all because I believe in Jesus.

However, there is something to the prodigal's attitude and actions. He humbly returns without expectation, but with just some hope of an okay life. That sums up a lot of the people I see at Alpha. That sums up the necessary first step for a lot of the people I see daily ... a step they can't imagine taking. Maybe it's because they are eating from the pig trough and therefore aren't aware they are starving to death. Maybe it's because they can't possibly find humility before God. Maybe it's because their wild exploits provide artificial comforts. Maybe it's because they never had an example of the father with the resources needed to provide for them.

I had that example, and I knew I was starving. I wish I could help others find their reason for coming home.

Prayer: Lord, you are the father of the world, and the provider of all good things. You have created all things, planned all things, developed all things, observe all things, and guide all things. There are so many people who don't know you as that father who is available to love them if only they would come seeking their daily needs. Please aid myself and your church in showing them that home. Amen.