I’d rather die.
“his father saw him and felt compassion,” Luke15:17-20 ESV
I have a friend who blew up my happy world recently with the story of her son crashing to rock bottom by almost drinking himself to death over Easter weekend.
I spent all of Lent studying from every angle this parable of the prodigal son.
“But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants. ”’ And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.
Today when I read the parable again in my daily readings I thought of hitting my own rock bottom all those years ago.
I lived my life the way I wanted, until I found myself wallowing in a pigsty of addiction; suffering, hopeless, starving.
Suddenly I came to myself.
With clarity, I knew I’d rather die than go on living this way.
I will never forget that moment of peace, when I called out to the Father and he rescued me.
I did the same as the younger son. I humbly came back home. There was the Father, watching for me, filled with compassion. He embraced me, and kissed me.
I proved I am no good at running my own life, so I have been living in his compassionate embrace ever since.
It really is such a peace when you realize God’s way is the best way. Contrary to what many believe God is not trying to control us but is giving is the best when we follow his truths. God bless you and thanks for sharing.
So good to read this. I'd rather die than go back to my previous way of living as well. This parable has taught me the following:
1. Sin promises freedom but leads to bondage
“He squandered his property in reckless living.” (Luke 15:13)
“He was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate.” (Luke 15:16)
Romans 6:23 — “For the wages of sin is death…”
John 8:34 — “Everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.”
2. Repentance begins with coming to your senses
“But when he came to himself…” (Luke 15:17)
“I will arise and go to my father…” (Luke 15:18)
Psalm 51:3 — “For I know my transgressions…”
2 Corinthians 7:10 — “Godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation…”
3. The Father runs to forgive and restore
“While he was still a long way off, his father saw him… and ran…” (Luke 15:20)
“Bring quickly the best robe… and let us celebrate.” (Luke 15:22–23)
Romans 5:8 — “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Ephesians 2:4–5 — “But God, being rich in mercy… made us alive together with Christ.”
4. Self-righteousness can keep you from the Father too
“He was angry and refused to go in.” (Luke 15:28)
“Look, these many years I have served you…” (Luke 15:29)
Luke 18:9–14 — The Pharisee and the tax collector
Isaiah 64:6 — “All our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment.”