Your Brother Was Dead, Part I

"It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found." (1)

"The parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son, bring out in distinct lines God's pitying love for those who are straying from Him. Although they have turned away from God, He does not leave them in their misery. He is full of kindness and tender pity toward all who are exposed to the temptations of the artful foe.

"In the parable of the prodigal son is presented the Lord's dealing with those who have once known the Father's love, but who have allowed the tempter to lead them captive at his will.

" 'A certain man had two sons; and the younger of them said to his father, "Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me." And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country.'

"The younger son had become weary of the restraint of his father's house. He thought that his liberty was restricted. His father's love and care for him were misinterpreted, and he determined to follow the dictates of his own inclination.

"The youth acknowledges no obligation to his father, and expresses no gratitude; yet he claims the privilege of a child in sharing his father's goods. The inheritance that would fall to him at his father's death he desires to receive now. He is bent on present enjoyment, and cares not for the future.

"Having obtained his patrimony, he goes into 'a far country,' away from his father's home. With money in plenty, and liberty to do as he likes, he flatters himself that the desire of his heart is reached. There is no one to say, 'Do not do this, for it will be an injury to yourself'; or, 'Do this, because it is right.' Evil companions help him to plunge ever deeper into sin, and he wastes his 'substance with riotous living.'

"The Bible tells of men who 'professing themselves to be wise' 'become fools' (2); and this is the history of the young man of the parable. The wealth which he has selfishly claimed from his father he squanders upon harlots. The treasure of his young manhood is wasted. The precious years of life, the strength of intellect, the bright visions of youth, the spiritual aspirations--all are consumed in the fires of lust." (3) To be continued.

1. Luke 15:32.
2. Romans 1:22
3. Christ's Object Lessons, pp. 198-200.