The prodigal son (Luke 15) is God’s reminder to me of what happens when I say to Him, “Hands off my life!” That unfortunate son, by taking his inheritance and clearing out, was saying to his father, “From now on I’ll be my own master.” He denied his father the right to direct him, which in essence was a denial of his father’s love and integrity.
Every disobedient Christian is an unconscious blasphemer. The moment I strike out for the far country, that moment I have condemned the character of God before the world. The pity is that, in the long run, I do not hurt God, I only hurt myself. The father’s reputation did not suffer, but the son wound up in the pigpen. If I take my life into my own hands, I will be a candidate for the pigpen also. The choice is mine: either the warmth of the Father’s house, or else the cold, bleak wetness of the pigsty.
The prodigal son made another mistake: demanding his inheritance now, instead of waiting his father’s time. By his impatience the son plucked his inheritance while it was green, unready. How often have I done that! My craving nature has cried out, “Now, Lord, now!” Then I discovered my mistake and did not enjoy my portion at all. If only I had waited!
I must learn never to snatch from God’s hands His daily care, guidance, and provision for my life. I must not say, “Lord, give me what is mine,” but “Lord, give me only what is Yours.” The difference is peace, utter peace. Further, when I “wait” on the Lord, I shall never be “put to shame”—be disappointed with His portion (Psalm 25:3, ASV).
“They will bow down to you with their faces to the earth, and lick the dust of your feet; and you will know that I am the Lord; those who hopefully wait for Me will not he put to shame” (Isaiah 49:23).
Daily with the King 