Chapter 16—“Lost, and is Found”
This chapter is based on
Luke 15:11-32
.
The parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son,
bring out in distinct lines God’s pitying love for those who are straying
from Him. Although they have turned away from God, He does not
leave them in their misery. He is full of kindness and tender pity
toward all who are exposed to the temptations of the artful foe.
In the parable of the prodigal son is presented the Lord’s dealing
with those who have once known the Father’s love, but who have
allowed the tempter to lead them captive at his will.
“A certain man had two sons; and the younger of them said to his
father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he
divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger
son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country.”
This younger son had become weary of the restraint of his father’s
house. He thought that his liberty was restricted. His father’s love
and care for him were misinterpreted, and he determined to follow the
dictates of his own inclination.
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The youth acknowledges no obligation to his father, and expresses
no gratitude; yet he claims the privilege of a child in sharing his father’s
goods. The inheritance that would fall to him at his father’s death he
desires to receive now. He is bent on present enjoyment, and cares not
for the future.
Having obtained his patrimony, he goes into “a far country,” away
from his father’s home. With money in plenty, and liberty to do as he
likes, he flatters himself that the desire of his heart is reached. There
is no one to say, Do not do this, for it will be an injury to yourself; or,
Do this, because it is right. Evil companions help him to plunge ever
deeper into sin, and he wastes his “substance with riotous living.”
The Bible tells of men who “professing themselves to be wise”
“became fools” (
Romans 1:22
); and this is the history of the young
man of the parable. The wealth which he has selfishly claimed from his
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