Prodigals

Today’s topic is prodigals and those who love them.

Sensible people keep their eyes glued on wisdom,but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.A foolish child brings grief to a fatherand bitterness to a mother.

Proverbs 17:24-25

Notice that the first part of our proverb is the official diagnosis of why children are prodigals. They did not choose wisdom. Something foolish caught their eye, and step-by-step they made choices that took them further and further from what was right and good, and further and further not just from you, but from God.

In Luke 15:13-14 Jesus said, “The younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want” (NKJV).

For us as mothers this is hard. We hate to see our children suffer. We want to fix it for them, but as Vance Havner says, “If somebody would have given him a bed and a sandwich, the prodigal never would have gone home.”

So, moms, what can we do? Pray. I have a friend who has a prodigal daughter. No, she’s not doing drugs or living on the streets. She is a prodigal because of bitterness and hardness of heart. This mom asks the Lord often, “Is there anything I can do?” Repeatedly, the Lord draws near, comforts her heart, and tells her, Pray.

“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous [mom] avails much” (James 5:16, NKJV).

Make It Personal . . . Live It Out!

“A foolish child brings . . . bitterness to a mother.” Moms, this is a clear warning for us. We have to be very careful to guard our hearts. Rebellion, stubbornness, thoughtlessness, broken promises, foolish choices—all these bring disappointments to a mother. If you know you have become angry and hard because of frustration and grief, will you come with me now to the throne of grace?

Let’s Pray

Lord, you know the deep sorrow I feel over this child, and you know it has hardened my heart. Please restore me and help me to draw close to you for the comfort and peace I need. Make me wise and yet tender, trusting in you.

One Year Bible Reading

2 Kings 6:1–7:20; Acts 15:36–16:15; Psalm 142:1-7; Proverbs 17:24-25