What Jesus Did! 'Life Away from God' — Luke 15:13-16

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

[Jesus continued,] "A few days later [after the sons received their inheritance from their father, the younger son] packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living. About the time his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve. He persuaded a local farmer to hire him, and the man sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. The young man became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the pigs looked good to him. But no one gave him anything."

Note: This passage continues the third story (Luke 15:11-32) that Jesus told about the joy of recovering something or someone that is lost. The other two stories are Luke 15:3-7 and Luke 15:8-10.
— Luke 15:13-16 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus' story about a selfish, wasteful son who went away from his family and his father is an illustration of our condition without God. Life without God is a lonely, desolate, and disgraceful place without comfort and without genuine friends. While you may have companions who hang around when you have something to offer them, they are usually gone when hard times hit, and you are often left alone. Those conditions are such a contrast with every picture we see of the joy and love in the Father's house! [1]

[1] For example, John 13:34-35; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7; Colossians 3:12-15; Galatians 6:2.

Today's Prayer

Righteous God, my heavenly Father, please help me keep my mind clear about my blessings of being in your family. Help me to see the comfort, love, and joy that are mine in your family. If I stray, please, dear Lord, humble me gently and bring me back home. My heart will find its true joy only in your presence. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Colossians 1:19-23
  • Ephesians 2:11-13
  • 1 Peter 1:9

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

8 Related Resources by Heartlight

Good News for Christmas
Article by Rick Brown
In the dark night of the soul or caught in the foggy haze of confusion, is there good news for me? Rick Brown writes a beautiful story on the background of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer and a reminder that Jesus came for all of us misfits so we could know we fit in.
The Hardest Lesson Learned
Article by Phil Ware
Why is it so hard to learn this simple lesson on which so much of life hangs? Phil Ware continues his series on the prodigal son called the Journey home and he looks at the hardest lesson learned, that it is better to be a servant in our Father's house than to be on our own and alone.
When these Ol' Walls Can't Speak
Article by Phil Ware
Can you capture the memories even if you can't hear the words? Phil Ware begins a series of messages called "The Journey Home" and focuses on God being the home we long for.
What's Keeping You from Joining the Party
Article by Rick Brown
Have you missed the story about the other son? Rick Brown writes about the prodigal son parable and reminds us that there are two sons who are lost and need to come home to the heart of the father and join the party he longs to throw for both of them!
See All 8 Related Resources about Luke 15:13-16

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 15:13-16 NLT — "A few days later [after the sons received their inheritance from their father, the younger son] packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, September 13, 2023

Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Holy and Blameless' (1 Th. 2:5-12)
"Dear Father, Keep all your preachers from using words of flattery, any cloak of greed, or from seeking glory for themselves, even though they have..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Rachel Joy Scott:
"I have this theory that if one person shows compassion to another then that person will start a chain reaction of the same."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'A Great Mission, A Junior Partner'
"Meanwhile, the word of God continued to spread, and there were many new believers. When Barnabas and Saul had finished their mission to Jerusalem,...."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 4:27
"Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!