Friday,
April 10, 2026
Luke
15:14-16
14 And when he had spent
all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be
in want.
15 And he went and joined himself to a
citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed
swine.
16 And he would fain have filled his
belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
There are prodigals all around
us. You
know the kind. Everything they think is wrong and everything they do tends to
trouble; either for themselves or those around them. They are toxic, poison!
How did they get this way?
The above scripture, of
course, is a snapshot of
the man we call “the prodigal son.” He had a loving father and a nurturing
environment on the family farm. He was due to inherit a portion of it – but not
quite half because his older brother would inherit more. Perhaps this was his
aggravation! At any rate, he decided to cash in his portion and set off on his
own.
Toxic people are often selfish
people. There
is a swirling vortex of resources that ends with them. They are a black hole of
consumption. They suck up riches and spit out poverty. They are takers and not
givers. They are spenders and save not. They expect everything and contribute
little.
Toxic people are often foolish
people. Ruin
and debris are scattered all around them from the catastrophic results of
foolish decisions. They are almost comic in their foolishness. Those who
befriend them are wounded. Those who are kind to them suffer pain.
Toxic people are needy people. They are transient because they ruin
every home they find. Life deteriorates
around them while they blame others for their plight. They are void of
accountability and shun responsibility. They cause others pain while they seek
pleasure.
Toxic people may still be
rescued. They
may “come to themselves.” Some Sunday school songs may yet ring in their ears.
Some poem or casual remark may trigger a remembrance of a life lived long ago.
Even the “John 3:16” sign held aloft behind the goal posts during an extra
point attempt goads them to change. In the end the misery far outweighs any
pleasure they sought, and the memory of golden days haunts them. They decide! They rise! They devise a speech of confession: “Father, I have
sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy
son.” (Luke 15:21)
Toxic people, who repent and
return, may yet find a welcome. The father watches for them – seeing them afar off.
The father runs to him and meets him. The shoes, the robe, and the ring were
not rewards for wickedness. They were symbols of restoration.
God, the Father, is ready to welcome you
too.
Are the circumstances of your
life bitter to
you and those around you? Have you acted selfishly? Have you chosen foolishly?
Won’t you “come to yourself” and come home to your Father? He’s waiting for
you.
Dear Lord, I know the pain of my own
foolishness and the pleasure of being welcomed home again. Thank you for your
patience. Speak loudly and clearly to the prodigals today. AMEN
