In Luke chapter 15, Jesus shares the parable of the prodigal son.
It’s the story of a young man who asks his father for his inheritance to be given to him early and goes out into the world to live a life full of debauchery and recklessness.
He eventually loses all that he has and after much strife & hardship, the son returns home in hopes of merely becoming one of his father’s workers. Upon his arrival, instead of scolding him or sending him into exile like he truly deserves, the father welcomes his son home with open arms.
I am the prodigal son.
Growing up, I knew the bible. I knew Jesus. I knew what was right, and I knew what was wrong.
Yet for most of my teenage years, I chose to chase after the pleasures that the world had to offer.
I abandoned the way, the truth, and the life for my way, my truth, and my life.
I fell for the trap. The allure of counterfeit comforts.
I sought after temporary thrills.
I made a mess of my life. I found myself enveloped in sin. Enslaved to thrill-chasing. Bound by hedonism.
I chose it. It was on me. I ran to the parties, the alcohol, the lust.
Yet, when I recognized the mess I had made, when I saw that all my sin took me further from God than I ever imagined I’d be, when I finally came to terms with the wretchedness of my ways, the Lord did not turn me away.
Though I deserved to be punished, He welcomed me into His embrace.
Jesus Christ paid the debt I owed. I don’t deserve that, yet He still did it. He did it so I could be reconciled into fellowship with Him. So that we could be reconciled into a relationship with Him.
I am the prodigal son. Undeserving of His grace. Undeserving of His mercy. Eternally grateful for his lovingkindness.
John Ciannello 