Luke 15:13 “And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.”
This parable is a story of two brothers. Both were in the same home, had the same training and the same opportunities. Both were heirs to a substantial inheritance. One was appreciative for his wonderful opportunity. The other was not. The younger wanted his inheritance NOW. He was tired of the work, the responsibility, the chores and having his parents tell him what to do. He decided to take his portion of the inheritance now and live to enjoy his life. With all of the money he received from his parents, he did not have to work; he had time for fun and relaxation. As we know, he “wasted his substance with riotous living.” (Luke 15:13). He chose to “enjoy the pleasures of sin” (Hebrews 11:25) in that riotous life style that undoubtedly included alcohol, any other drugs available at the time, wicked “friends” and immorality.
However, he soon learned that those pleasures only lasted “for a season.” (Hebrews 11:25). When his money was gone, so were all of the pleasures. Now he was miserable – and learning that “there is no fun in the far country.” He came home, asked his father for mercy, and was received.
However, even though he was received by his father, given his needs and the opportunity to work on the farm again – he had still lost his inheritance! Sin always costs. On the other hand, the elder son had stayed faithful, worked hard, been obedient and a good son. There is no fun in the far country. Do not waste your inheritance.
Dr. James Jorgensen | Executive Vice President
Commonwealth Baptist College | Lexington, KY
https://www.commonwealthbaptist.org/
