The Pig Pen
Posted by Dion Todd May 22nd, 2024 1,285 Views 25 Comments
But when he came to himself, he said, 'How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough to spare, and I'm dying with hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and will tell him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I am no more worthy to be called your son. Make me as one of your hired servants." He arose and came to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion, and ran, fell on his neck, and kissed him. Luke 15:18–20 WEB.
The prodigal younger son in the story Jesus told here had royally messed up his life. He ran through all of the inheritance his father had given him and spent it in wild living and prostitutes. When all his money was gone, so were his friends. A severe famine came on the land, and even those who may have helped him were no longer able.
When the son was broke and starving, he found work feeding pigs, which would have been repulsive to a Jew. Pigs (swine) were considered unclean under the Mosaic law. After growing up on a farm, I can confirm that. There is nothing quite like the smell of a hog pen, and they love to wallow in the mud, which is also their toilet.
While the young man was starving and living in a disgusting place, he suddenly came to his senses. Hardship has a sobering way of bringing us back to reality. He remembered that His father's hired servants had food to spare. He decided to humble himself and go back home. While he lived with his father, he was royalty. When he lived on his own, he lived in utter poverty.
The son put together a repentance speech: "Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight. I am no more worthy to be called your son. Make me as one of your hired servants" (Luke 15:18). Then he humbly went to meet his father, broke, barefoot, and hungry.
His father saw him coming up the road and was moved with compassion. He ran out to meet his son and hugged and kissed him. While the son was still trying to explain how sorry and unworthy he was, the father was already commanding others to bring out the best robe and put it on him. Then a ring on his finger and shoes on his feet. He threw a great feast and celebrated having his son back home safe and sound. The father was delighted to have his son come home.
Sometimes we stumble and feel like we are no longer worthy of talking to God. We think that we have let Him down once again. Then the enemy climbs on our back and rides us around like a pony, telling us how sorry we are. Often, he is right. We did it, and there is no one to blame but us. We knew it was wrong but chose to do it anyway.
Yet no matter what we have done in the past, we can humbly turn back to God, and He will begin to restore us. He is not mad but happy to see us walking on His road. Too often, we go about with our heads down, having no idea who we really are in Christ or how much we mean to Him. We are bound by our past and living exactly as the enemy wants us, broken and defeated, though we could correct it in seconds.
Even if you find yourself broken, hungry, and living in a disgusting place, and it was entirely your fault. Remember that God's door is still open, and He wants you back with Him. He promises us that He who believes in Jesus will never be put to shame. So shake off that defeated mentality and lift your head, for you are a Child of the King. You are always welcome in God's house.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You for accepting me just as I am. Please restore me, Lord, and help me find my proper place in Your body. Help me come to know who I am in You. Restore my identity as Your child and lead me from this day forth. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!
Note: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.” (Philippians 4:6-7) ~ If you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page: RHM Prayer Network
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Sherry Mccosh commented on Dion Todd's blog post: The Pig Pen
3 months ago
Heavenly Father, I thank You for accepting me just as I am. Please restore me, Lord, and help me find my proper place in Your body. Help me come to know who I am in You. Restore my identity as Your child and lead me from this day forth. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!Thank you for this wonderful devotion today. I love the story of the Prodigal Son because it is a beautiful picture of Father God and how he loves us. He will always welcome us back with open arms when we stay, when we humble ourselves and honor and praise Him.
Liesel aka lisa Wardle commented on Dion Todd's blog post: The Pig Pen
3 months ago
Amen and Amen!!! Thank You dear Heavenly Father, Lord God of compassion and patiently, Savior and Creator of all things, for calling me and patiently waiting on me, and for accepting me just as I was and just as I am with all of my many faults!!! Just as it says in Romans 7:19: "For the good that I would I do not, and . . ." and yet here You are the Creator filled with so much compassion and love for his creation!!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart, my Lord and God!!!
Mari Kaufmann commented on Dion Todd's blog post: The Pig Pen
3 months ago
I pray to feel so close to God. Amen
Debi Burton commented on Dion Todd's blog post: The Pig Pen
3 months ago
Heavenly Father, I thank You for accepting me just as I am. Please restore me, Lord, and help me find my proper place in Your body. Help me come to know who I am in You. Restore my identity as Your child and lead me from this day forth. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!❤️
Dan Remley commented on Dion Todd's blog post: The Pig Pen
3 months ago
When I was younger. I made some decisions that were unfavorable to me. I suffered financially, spiritually, and physically. I had the hardest time getting myself back on track. I prayed a lot just like I still do. God listened to me and answered my prayers. I love God and Jesus our savior. I turned to them and they made my life peaceful. Thank you Father. Amen❤️
Kathy Banfield commented on Dion Todd's blog post: The Pig Pen
3 months ago
Throughout the Old Testament, God proves that His forgiveness has no limits. Time and again, the Lord restored Israel, despite their insolence.
Wanda Pennington commented on Dion Todd's blog post: The Pig Pen
3 months ago
Yes Heavenly Father thank You for Your forgiveness. My place is in Your house. I am Your Daughter. In Jesus Name, Amen
Yvette York commented on Dion Todd's blog post: The Pig Pen
3 months ago
AMEN Thank You Father For Everything. Good Morning Everyone
Mark Williams commented on Dion Todd's blog post: The Pig Pen
3 months ago
The prodigal son story used to make me angry because of personal reasons that I could relate to. But ,with age comes wisdom,and now I understand,praise God.
David Krull commented on Dion Todd's blog post: The Pig Pen
3 months ago
Amen thank you Jesus for forgiving me my sins. Mold me and shape me into the man of God You want me to be. I lay at the foot of the Cross. Forgive me and heal me for Your Namesake. Restore me unto You Jesus. I don’t deserve it, but I ask for mercy. Your Living Word says Your mercies are new every morning. Thank you Jesus for this day and for the life you have given me. In Jesus Holy Name I pray.