Revcort's Ramblings

Scripture Focus

“And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.” – Luke 15:20 (ESV)

Devotional Thought

Few things are more heartbreaking than watching someone we love walk away from the faith. Parents, siblings, pastors, and friends all know the deep ache of seeing a prodigal turn their back on God. In Jesus’ parable, the father of the prodigal son shows us a model for how to respond.

First, he didn’t try to control or force his son’s faith. He let him go, as painful as it must have been. Faith cannot be coerced—it must be personal. Second, he waited and watched with anticipation. This suggests he prayed and trusted God to work in his son’s heart. Finally, when the son returned, he didn’t respond with bitterness, lectures, or guilt trips. He responded with compassion, open arms, and unconditional love.

This story reminds us that while we cannot change a prodigal’s heart, we can love faithfully, pray consistently, and trust confidently in the God who can. Our role is not to force or fix but to love and intercede, anticipating in faith that God is still at work.

Reflection Questions

1. Do I have a prodigal in my life right now? How am I currently responding to them?

2. Am I trying to control or force someone’s faith instead of entrusting them to God?

3. How often do I pray with faith-filled anticipation for those who are wandering?

4. When a prodigal returns, am I prepared to meet them with love instead of condemnation?

Closing Prayer

Father, my heart aches for those I know who have walked away from You. Help me resist the urge to control, criticize, or condemn. Teach me to pray faithfully, wait patiently, and love unconditionally. Give me the eyes of faith to see that no one is beyond Your reach. When the prodigal in my life returns, may my response reflect Your heart—full of compassion, grace, and open arms. In Jesus’ name, Amen.