Come to my senses

When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. Luke 15:17 - 18 NIV

The verse from above in the Gospel according to Luke is one of my favorite Bible stories.  One of the reasons why I love this story is the way Luke writes the story of the prodigal son.  It is written in such a way that it allows the reader, in this case me, the freedom to walk in and realize that I am in the story.  Luke captures the parable of Jesus perfectly.  Certainly Jesus wanted each of us, especially me, to see ourselves in the story.  And if I am in the story, then the promises, the love, and the forgiveness that Christ grants is mine too!

This verse has the same quality as many other verses about prodigals, sinners, saints, and Christ's everlasting love.  For example, the tax collector beating on his chest, or Peter boldly walking out of the boat and panicking because he took his eyes off Jesus.  Or even the Passion stories where Peter says that he was willing to go to prison and even die, but then running in fear when the going got tough.  I love these stories.

Okay, now back to the story of the prodigal son.  I simply love this story because I can relate to the son who is wayward and lost.  Many people wouldn't think so, and I don't want to exaggerate, but I often feel like I was that same starving son!  Man was I hungry and thirsty!  I'd did just about anything.  There were times when I dated or tried to date just about anyone.  After growing some in faith, my focus shifted from "bad" things to "less than the best things."  I can remember how I said yes to every request to serve, worked hard and faster to feel worthy, and tried to find satisfaction in all kinds of other things.  I tried food and overeating; big clothes and flashy clothes; making, spending and relying on money; heaping up possessions, exercise and a host of distractions.

Nothing fed me, satisfied or filled my deepest need.  I was starving and the voice of God brought me to my senses.  Not just once, but it seems like repeatedly.  From each far off place I drift, God calls me back to himself with the reminder:

How many of my Father's servants have food, clothing, shelter, relationship, love and grace enough and to spare.  Why should I keep eating junk, longing for the world's slop when my father has more and better food falling down as crumbs from his table?  Why should I starve?  Why should I settle for less than the fullness of Christ?

I'd like to think that I am finally winning.  Finally coming back to my senses.  I believe and declare that I have, I am, and I am coming to my senses.  I declare that in my Father's house is where I want to be and it is where I belong.  I proclaim that in my Father's house is where I am and I am headed there for eternity.  And by the way, in my Father's house is where you belong too!  

Let us come to our senses and turn to God and return to Him.

With love (& in triumph),

Cassius