The prodigal son (2) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

When he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want. Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no-one gave him anything.
Luke 15:14-16

The prodigal son (2)
The young man had left his father to seek fulfilment, but eventually experienced hardship. He wanted to be his own master, but fell into the degrading independence of strangers. What hopes the prodigal had had of the world's pleasures! Now in his dire trouble he was alone and isolated. Everything the world had to offer had seemed desirable and enticing, but what a sobering end: "no-one gave him anything".

This is a shocking illustration of someone who wants to lead his life apart from God. Instead of enjoying the freedom the world promises, his desires drew him more and more into the bondage of sin (cf. 2 Peter 2:18.19). At the same time the inner need and thirst for true life increases.

When the prodigal felt his need, he "joined a citizen of that country". He forced himself upon him: so great were his hunger, the sense of lack and his despair that surrendered fully to the control of a stranger. It did him no good: "no-one gave him anything."

This will be the final end of everyone who seeks fulfilment for his life independently of God. What a godless world promises may look attractive at first, but it will not satisfy soul hunger.

(to be continued on Monday)

Today's reading: Jeremiah 43:1-13 · Romans 11:1-10