I don’t know about you, but for me personally, the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15 never grows old. Every time I read it, it teaches me something new — especially the truth that leaving our Father’s home doesn’t begin with a physical departure. Often, it starts with small compromises, trading spiritual treasures for things that are ultimately worthless.

Last time, we posed a few heart-searching questions:
What lies have I believed? Have I traded what is precious for what is worthless? And how can I return to the Father who still waits with open arms?

Like the prodigal son, many young Christians today slowly drift from God — seduced by the lies of social media, culture, and the world. They don’t even realize how far they’ve gone until the journey back seems impossible. They live in spiritual pigsties, trying to forget the joy they once knew in their Father’s house.

But here’s the good news: the son didn’t stay in the pigsty. He said, “I will arise and go to my father.” (Luke 15:18) He rehearsed a speech to confess his sins, hoping to win some mercy. But Scripture says, “While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.” (v. 20)

Imagine the shock! Before the son could even deliver his speech, the father embraced him with love. Then he said to the servants:
“Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet… For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.” (vv. 22–24)

What father on earth could show that kind of love to a rebellious son? None. And that’s the point — this Father represents our Father in heaven, revealed in Jesus Christ.

We may change. We may wander. But God’s love in Christ never changes. His love isn’t based on what He sees in us, but on who He is.

So if you’re far from God — even if you still go to church but feel spiritually dead — it’s not too late. Come back. The Father is waiting.

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

Christ is not only the way to God for the lost, but also the way for us who believe — now and forever. Return to Him. Let Him replace the love of the world with something far greater: Himself. ///