June 20, 2026 · Mark Bishop
A Beautiful Reception
“And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything. “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ 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. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate. “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all 358”
Luke 15:11-32 →
that is mine is yours. It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”
## Mine
The youngest son received his inheritance early and within a few days, he left. It wasn't the next city over, but we're told he goes a far distance. Since he gathered all his belongings, he probably wasn't planning on returning. The word "squandered" in verse 13 implies he was going to spend his inheritance foolishly, or without thinking. The phrasing in verse 13 makes sure the listener understands the son was living without thinking, or carelessly. The famine revealed his need, thus the only solution was for him to get a job. The problem is he was being taken advantage of and he still had a need that only going back home could fix. The son just wanted to eat and have his need met, and decided he would be okay just being another worker for his dad. What we see is the father wouldn't have him any other way except being his son. We don't know if the son saw the father in the distance, but we do know the father saw the son. He ran to him and the son probably felt shame, and happiness mixed together. He not only received a hug but a welcome home party. The son thought the inheritance was all he needed to live a fun life but realized it only lasted for a season. It took the pain, which was hunger caused by the famine, to show him that money does not offer life. The famine could have killed him, but he knew if he worked he could survive.
## Self-Check
We think in small moments and rarely do we plan for the future; but when we do plan, it's often in ways that can easily disappear. We place money into a 401k, but the value of the dollar can be worse by the time we can get that money. There is a famine coming for everyone and it's no respecter of persons. Every person who does not eat will starve, so we need something that can provide that will meet the need we all will face. Adam and Eve took from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil even when the tree of life was also present. We ignore
the eternal for the sake of a few extra minutes. Jesus offered His life that we may have life, therefore the only way to survive the famine is to eat of the tree of life- Jesus Christ Himself. It doesn't matter what got us to the famine or if we just got stuck in the temporary. If you walk back towards the Creator of Life, He'll run to you and give you exactly what you need. In fact, He'll throw a party because you're not just a worker, you're His family.
## Investments