They Can Escape Your Presence, But Not Your Prayers. They Can Cancel And Cut You Off To Train Or Punish If They Like. Let Them Split To Do Their Own Thang If They Are Determined To.

Here's a good general rule of thumb: "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

God was a perfect Father and had kids ditch. He loves parents, loves families -- He's still a perfect Father. Hey, Doin' our best, we commit the rest. 

How long have they ditched God and His good purposes for them? How long have they lived a hidden double life (did they merely write about the parentals?).. or have they been all up in your face with it?

As Long As They Have Breath. The Lord Won't Give Up On Reaching Out To Them. He's Right There Patently Trying To Bring Them To Their Senses.

Hold Your Course, Parent. Be The Same Person In Private As You Are In Public -- Live Godly 24/7/365. Stay True To Your Beliefs Even When They Give You Pushback. Never give up on supplications and intercession for the wayward. God doesn't do that.

When you live at the bill payer's house, you go by his good rules. I have only had ten.

Many Bullheaded Know-It-Alls Have Rebelled and Run From God. Have You Read The Prodigal Sons Story?

"Then He said, “A certain man had two sons. 12 The younger of them [inappropriately] said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that falls to me.’ So he divided the estate between them. 13 A few days later, the younger son gathered together everything [that he had] and traveled to a distant country, and there he wasted his fortune in reckless and immoral living. 14 Now when he had spent everything, a severe famine occurred in that country, and he began to do without and be in need. 15 So he went and forced himself on one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 He would have gladly eaten the [carob] pods that the pigs were eating [but they could not satisfy his hunger], and no one was giving anything to him. 17 But when he [finally] came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have more than enough food, while I am dying here of hunger! 18 I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; [just] treat me like one of your hired men.”’ 20 So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Quickly bring out the best robe [for the guest of honor] and put it on him; and give him a ring for his hand, and sandals for his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and slaughter it, and let us [invite everyone and] feast and celebrate; 24 for this son of mine was [as good as] dead and is alive again; he was lost and has been found.’ So they began to celebrate. 25 “Now his older son was in the field; and when he returned and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he summoned one of the servants and began asking what this [celebration] meant. 27 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.’ 28 But the elder brother became angry and deeply resentful and was not willing to go in; and his father came out and began pleading with him. 29 But he said to his father, ‘Look! These many years I have served you, and I have never neglected or disobeyed your command. Yet you have never given me [so much as] a young goat, so that I might celebrate with my friends; 30 but when this [other] son of yours arrived, who has devoured your estate with immoral women, you slaughtered that fattened calf for him!’ 31 The father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 But it was fitting to celebrate and rejoice, for this brother of yours was [as good as] dead and has begun to live. He was lost and has been found.’” Luke 15:11-32 amp

"He went to the dogs. He fed the hogs. And homeward he jogs."

Surrounded by the Father's potential children, did Jesus give a defense of His passionate evangelistic ministry (Luke 15)?

Sure He did, explaining why He often visited with sinners and even ate with them. The parables of Luke 15 were given in response to the criticism of the scribes and religious Pharisees because Jesus was a friend of sinners. He warmly received and dined with em.

He saw what they were, not saved sinners yet, still lost. They were sheep that had gone astray and needed a shepherd to bring them home. They were lost coins, stamped with the image of God, needing to get back into circulation again. They were disobedient sons who were wasting their inheritance and needed to come home to the Father.
He saw all the negative influences with influencers and how they got that way. Sheep are foolish animals and naturally go astray, but the spiritual shepherds in Israel had not faithfully ministered to them (Jer. 23; Ezek. 34). The woman lost the coin because of carelessness, and the son was lost because of his willfulness. The father did not search for the boy but let him learn his lessons the hard way and discover how good it was back home. (See Rom. 2:4.)
He saw what they, as saved sinners, having the right priorities, could become. Jesus always saw the potential in people. The sheep could be brought back to the flock and bring joy to the shepherd; the coin could be found; and the son could return home and lovingly serve his father. There is hope for every sinner because Jesus welcomes everyone.

Are There Lessons for Parents of a Last Days Prodigal Sons Who Know Better?

Waiting and Welcoming Until Change.. Is Good (Lk. 15:11–24)

The father did not turn into an obsessive-helicopter-parent. He didn't go desperately searching for his son, not at all. He, waited at home for the boy to come back. Hopefully, that would happen. When the boy did repent and return home, the father ran to warmly welcome and meet him. Like sheep gone astray, some sinners are lost through their own dense stupidity; and, like coins, some are lost by the carelessness of others. But the younger son was lost because of his own willfulness, and the father had to wait until that will was broken and submissive. What about the older so-called moral prodigal?

For the younger party animal son to ask for an early inheritance was like asking his father to die! Rude and disrespectful. Wishing he were dead. It must have broken the father’s heart after all he'd invested, but he gave the boy "his share of the wealth," however much that was. God the Father likewise has shared His real wealth with a world of lost sinners, and they have partied away, wasting it (See Acts 14:15–17; 17:24–28). It was not the badness of his life that brought the younger boy to his senses but the goodness of his kind father (v. 17; Rom. 2:4). Did his father ever feel ticked off at the immaturity and carnal selfishness that would rip off his sons? Would that be normal for a dad?

In the East, it is unusual for older men to go sprint, jog, or run; but this Father had to run because of his joy and compassion for the younger boy. Also, the son had disgraced his family and his village and could have been literally stoned to death (Deut. 21:18–21). If they threw any stones, but think about it, they would have to hit the father running to be with him (when the son chose to be with his dad)! Sup with the best robe? Well, that would be the father’s expensive festal robe (the righteous know how to celebrate, there's no need we don't have met in the Lord). Sup with those shoes. Well, they indicated that the son was not a servant (in spite of his request to be one). Sup with the ring? Well, that was the proof of sonship. Again, there is JOY, for the lost has been found! God wants all lost sinners to become saved sinners -- His humble and obedient kids.

Pleading In Prayer.. Is Good (Lk 15:25–32)

Plead in prayer, don't give up. Don't sweat it, worry or strive. God is more than enough for you. He alone is sufficient. Was the elder sinner brother the forgotten person in this parable? He is basically the key to this story for those who were listening in. If the prodigal son symbolizes the “publicans and sinners" (like I've been), then the elder sinner-brother represents the scribes and religious Pharisees. Man, I am to this day so NOT INTERESTED IN RELIGION, it saves not one. There are inner sins of the spirit as well as sins of the flesh (2 Cor. 7:1). The religious leaders may not have been guilty of the gross things that the younger son did and was convicted/feeling guilty about, but they were still lost sinners, guilty of a critical and unloving spirit, pride, and an unwillingness to forgive. Feeling guilt is a good gift to warn us; living under false guilt is not.

Because the younger son had received his inheritance, the estate belonged to the elder brother; but it was run by the father, who also benefited from the profits. If the younger brother came back home, it would confuse the inheritance even more, so the elder brother did not want him back at all, nor was he looking for him to be restored. He didn't care for his brother. He wasn't his brother's keeper at all -- he could totally give a flip about him.

Now we discover that the elder brother had a “hidden agenda” of his own, a selfish longing to have a big party for his friends. Was he an inward party animal waiting to come out? He sure was angry with his brother for repenting and returning home and with his father for welcoming him and forgiving him. Like the scribes and Pharisees, he stayed totally outside the joy and fellowship of those who had been forgiven.

By staying outside the house, the elder brother disrespected and humiliated his father and his brother. The father could have commanded him to come in, but he preferred to go out and plead with him. Man, parents take it in the chin! How did we ever want to become parents in this world?

That is what Jesus did with the Jewish religious leaders, but they would not be persuaded. They thought they were saved because of their exemplary outward moral conduct, but they were out of fellowship with the Father and needed to repent and seek forgiveness.

I say.. get home before dark, you religious folk and wild party animals?

For Believers, there Is a Time For Shaking the dust Off Regarding Spiritual Matters.. While Still Waiting on the Lord To Do What He Wants.
Perhaps you've already done your part in raising them, parents, then they are His to deal with how He chooses. Father knows best.
When they opt to remain closed-minded for "selfish" or so called "safety's sake," God can better explain things (what's really so), and He can use whom He wishes to use for that.
Step back from a sinner in his sinning, from a fool in his folly. Don't become an enabler for one even sec, or go freak out chasing after them. I mean, when there's zero repentance, openness to truth, or change during these last moments of the last days. These are certainly your last days, Sport.
"Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him. Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes." Proverbs 26:4-5 nkv

Not contradictory. Depends on the situation huh.
The Bible exhorts, "But understand this, that in the last days dangerous times [of great stress and trouble] will come [difficult days that will be hard to bear]. 2 For people will be lovers of self [narcissistic, self-focused], lovers of money [impelled by greed], boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy and profane, 3 [and they will be] unloving [devoid of natural human affection, calloused and inhumane], irreconcilable, malicious gossips, devoid of self-control [intemperate, immoral], brutal, haters of good, 4 traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of [sensual] pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 holding to a form of [outward] godliness (religion), although they have denied its power [for their conduct nullifies their claim of faith]. Avoid such people and keep far away from them." 2 Timothy 3:1-5 amp

An Explanation of the Future (2 Tim. 3:1)

What period is that really? “The last days” is a time that actually began with the life and ministry of Christ on earth (Heb. 1:1–2). However, the NT indicates that “the last days” refers particularly to the state of the church right before the coming of Christ. Wiersbe says the Rapture can happen any day -- no more prophecies must first be fulfilled!
These days now shall be “perilous” times, that is, “difficult, hard to deal with.” This is the same word used in Matt. 8:28 to describe the Gadarene demoniac. Because people will believe the “doctrines of demons” (1 Tim. 4:1ff), this world will become a “demonic graveyard” just as in Gadara. We are in those days now!
Self-love will be the hallmark of the last days. This self-love will lead to a grasping attitude and a boastful spirit. “Boasters” really means “swaggerers.” True affection will almost disappear; unnatural affection will prevail. “Incontinent” means “intemperate”; “fierce” means “savage,” and savage conduct is certainly evident today. “Heady” means “reckless,” and we surely live in a very reckless age, whether you look at the speed of travel, the waste of money, or the carelessness of human lives.
Verses 5–8 indicate that there will be plenty of religion in the last days, but it will be a mere imitation, a form of godliness without the life-changing power of God. The departing from the faith that Paul predicted in 2 Thess. 2 is upon us today, yet there is still plenty of religion! The Bible continues to be a national best-seller, yet the crime rate increases and problems multiply. True Christians are in the minority. These false teachers of Paul’s day preyed especially upon women who were loaded with sins and led astray by their lusts, women who were “ever learning” but who never really came to an understanding of the truth.
Paul compared the apostate teachers to the Egyptian magicians Jannes and Jambres, who opposed Moses by imitating what he did (Ex. 7:11ff). Satan is an imitator, and his imitation gospel and church will spread in the last days. But just as Moses overcame these imitators by the power of God coming in great judgment, so Christ will ultimately overcome these latter-day deceivers. “From such turn away!” warns Paul (v. 5). Timothy was not to get involved with Christ-denying deceivers, even if it meant being branded as a “fool.”
Family divisions sometimes happen in this sad, fallen world:

Matthew 10:36 — “A man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.”

Do what you can do, and no more. This verse doesn’t mean the relationships must stay broken in this broken world forever, but it explains why these wounds feel so heavy on a heart made righteous (by God, not by will power or self-effort).
Scripture often holds two truths together:
* You can indeed set boundaries regarding the abusive (even though this term now gets misused). Yes, do that when people really choose to abuse, and please don't label people that way when they simply have different opinions from yours (parents and sons both).

What sort of spiritual boundaries should we set in our lives?
The needs of the world overwhelm me. Am I too sensitive?
What real spiritual boundaries do we need in our lives?
Are there appropriate boundaries for them to set in their dating?
Should a country have borders, according to the Bible? Will it be a country without them?
How can I avoid enabling someone with their pet-sins? I don't ever want to assist someone into their sin?
How do you draw the line between helping someone who appears to be in need and allowing someone to take advantage of you?
Dealing with an FIL or MIL, mother-in-law? Not All Do What's Appropriate?
What are boundaries, and are they all biblical?

Proverbs 22:24–25 warns us not to stay entangled with people given to anger, because it only harms your own soul. Worldly people love to drink, and many get really angry over the drop of a hat. Alcoholics and those who say they've overcome that do too at times. My exalcoholic dad Kim once told me there are only 3 types of lost drunks: 1.) "I love ya man" drunks. 2.) "I hate ya man, let's fight" drunks. and 3.) Merrre, drunks "Mere, let's talk bro.
Sobriety > Nonsobriety

1 Peter 5:8 - "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."
1 Thessalonians 5:6-8 - "Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober."
1 Peter 1:13 - "Therefore prepare your minds for action. Be sober-minded. Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
Titus 2:11-12 - "God's grace teaches us to 'live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world.'"

Live unencumbered from debts, from spiritual debts like from drunkenness, from anger at people, from addiction to people who pull you downwards spiritually.

KJV: "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed".
NASB1995: "He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will suffer harm".
NCV: "Spend time with the wise and you will become wise, but the friends of fools will suffer".
AMP (Amplified): "He who walks [as a companion] with wise men is wise, but he who associates with [self-confident] fools is [a fool himself and] shall smart for it".
NLT: Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble. Trouble chases sinners, while blessings reward the righteous.

* Yet we still pray for em at times (the circumstances of life here can be tough and even teach), and leave the door open for God to work. We live for the Lord and not for them or for anything else. Let God work through another person near to them.
The Bible says, "Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33 nlt
If you've tried and there is no way, really no way, then God can make a way, but He might need you out of the picture for a time.

Romans 12:18 — “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

Notice the phrase “if it is possible.” Sometimes reconciliation isn’t possible right now because the other person refuses it. In those seasons, you can entrust the situation to God while protecting your own heart.
Even with adult children or relatives who feel hostile, many believers hold on to this hope:

Luke 15 shows the father of the prodigal son waiting with an open heart. He didn’t chase the son into rebellion—but he never stopped hoping for his return.

So a healthy posture can be something like this:

Maintain a necessary distance from real abuse.

Keep your conscience clear before God.

Leave room for the Lord to change hard hearts over time.

* Family stories are not always finished when they feel the most broken.
Scripture consistently teaches that some people are best handled by distance, not debate. 🙏
* The Bible warns about toxic, abusive personalities

Second Timothy 3:1–5 describes people who are “lovers of themselves… abusive… ungrateful… without self-control.”

Paul’s clear instruction: “Have nothing to do with such people.”

* Wisdom says not every critic deserves your time

Proverbs 26:4 — “Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him.”
Some arguments only drag you down into endless conflict.

* Jesus taught discernment about where to invest your energy

Matthew 7:6 — “Do not give what is holy to dogs… or they will trample it.”
The point: sacred truth and emotional energy shouldn’t be wasted on those determined to mock or abuse it.

* Peace in the Prince of Peace sometimes means taking times away to pray and prioritize. Yep, with God. Jesus would get away to pray and that isn't cutting off family members. It's good to walk away from the bad influences of worldly talk

Romans 12:18 — “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Sometimes the only way to do that is by creating distance.

* Charles Spurgeon once said:

“Discernment is not knowing the difference between right and wrong. It is knowing the difference between right and almost right.”

And Billy Graham often reminded believers that you cannot argue someone into humility—a changed heart comes from God, not debate.
✔️ So the wise response is simple:

Don’t chase approval from hostile people.

Don’t argue with those committed to misunderstanding you.

Guard your peace and calling.

Sometimes the most godly answer is silence, distance
Luke 15:20
“While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion.”

The father waited.
He did not run into the far country.
He stood his ground until repentance walked home.
So I place this sorrow into Your hands.
I release the striving, the arguments, the chase.
If my son will remain in the far country,
Then let him remain there until his heart awakens.
Guard my heart from bitterness, O Lord,
For the wounds of family cut the deepest.
Proverbs 4:23
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

In Luke 15, Jesus told three stories to explain His ministry to sinners: a lost sheep, a lost coin, and a lost son. The religious leaders complained because

“This man receives sinners and eats with them.” — Luke 15:2

So Jesus answered them with these parables, revealing both the heart of God and the wisdom required when dealing with the lost.

Waiting and Welcoming

Luke 15:11–24

One detail in the story is often overlooked. The father did not chase the boy into the far country.

He waited.

That silence was not indifference. It was wisdom.

The son had left because of his own will, and until that will was humbled, no lecture or rescue mission would have changed him.

Jesus said:

“A certain man had two sons.” — Luke 15:11

When the younger son demanded his inheritance, it was essentially a declaration of independence from his father. In that culture it sounded like this:

“Father, I wish you were dead. Give me what belongs to me.”

Yet the father allowed it.

“So he divided the estate between them.” — Luke 15:12

That must have broken his heart. But forced obedience is not true obedience. Sometimes a father must allow a son to walk the road he insists on walking.

God Himself has done something similar with the world.

Scripture says that He has generously provided life, breath, and countless blessings, even to people who ignore Him.

“He did good and gave you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.” — Acts 14:17

“In Him we live and move and have our being.” — Acts 17:28

Humanity has taken God’s gifts and often spent them in the far country.

Yet the goodness of God is meant to awaken the conscience.

“The kindness of God leads you to repentance.” — Romans 2:4

Notice what finally awakened the prodigal.

It was not merely the badness of the pigpen.

It was the goodness of his father.

“How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare!” — Luke 15:17

The memory of home began pulling him back.

And when he finally turned toward home, the father did something astonishing.

“While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him.” — Luke 15:20

In the ancient Near East, older men did not run in public. It was considered undignified.

Yet love outran dignity.

There may also be something deeper here. A rebellious son had disgraced his family and village. According to the law, a persistently rebellious son could even face severe judgment.

“If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son… all the men of his city shall stone him.” — Deuteronomy 21:18–21

By running toward his son, the father placed himself between the boy and any possible condemnation. If stones were thrown, they would have struck the father first.

That is a beautiful picture of the gospel.

Christ Himself stepped between sinners and judgment.

When the son arrived, the father restored him completely.

“Bring the best robe… put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet.” — Luke 15:22

Each gift meant something.

The robe meant honor.
The ring meant authority and belonging.
The sandals meant sonship.

Servants went barefoot.
Sons wore shoes.

And then came the celebration.

“For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and has been found.” — Luke 15:24

Heaven celebrates repentance.

Pleading With the Older Brother

Luke 15:25–32

The elder brother often disappears from sermons, yet he is crucial to the story.

He represents the scribes and Pharisees, the religious leaders who criticized Jesus.

Unlike the younger brother, his sins were not wild living.

They were pride, resentment, and self-righteousness.

“These many years I have served you… yet you never gave me a young goat.” — Luke 15:29

He had obeyed outwardly, but his heart was far from the father.

There are sins of the flesh and sins of the spirit.

“Let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit.” — 2 Corinthians 7:1

The father went out and pleaded with him as well.

Just as Jesus pleaded with the religious leaders of Israel.

But many of them refused to come inside the celebration of grace.

A Wise Lesson for Christian Fathers

One final truth must be faced with both love and sobriety.

Jesus welcomed sinners.

He ate with them.
He spoke with them.
He offered them grace.

But He never enabled their rebellion.

And a father must sometimes follow that same wisdom.

If a son repeatedly abuses, manipulates, lies, or wounds those who love him while refusing repentance, a father is not required to keep placing himself in harm’s way.

Love does not mean allowing continual harm.

Scripture says:

“Do not be deceived: Bad company corrupts good morals.” — 1 Corinthians 15:33

And also:

“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” — Romans 12:18

Notice the phrase “if possible.”

Sometimes it is not possible.

Even Jesus occasionally withdrew from hostile people who hardened their hearts.

“Jesus did not entrust Himself to them.” — John 2:24

A father can love deeply and still establish wise distance when necessary.

Wise Counsel for Fathers Dealing With a Wayward Son

A few principles flow naturally from the story.

1. Love your son, but refuse to finance his rebellion

Giving money that feeds sin only prolongs destruction.

2. Allow consequences to teach what lectures cannot

The pigpen did what the father's speeches never could.

3. Do not chase him into the far country

You cannot live his repentance for him.

4. Keep the door open for genuine repentance

The father watched the road.

5. Welcome humility instantly when it appears

Grace should run faster than condemnation.

6. Do not confuse forgiveness with constant exposure to abuse

Forgiveness is a matter of the heart.
Access to your life may require repentance and change.

7. Pray faithfully and trust God with the outcome

Only the Spirit of God can awaken a prodigal heart.

Jesus sees something others often miss.

He sees what people are,
He sees how they became that way,
and He sees what they can still become.

The sheep can return to the flock.
The coin can be found.
The son can come home.

And because of that, there is always hope.

As long as God is still saving sinners, no father should ever give up praying.

Real Situations?

Proverbs 22:24–25
“Make no friendship with a man given to anger… lest you learn his ways.”

Romans 12:18
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

Luke 15:20
“While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion.”

Galatians 6:7
“A man reaps what he sows.”

Proverbs 4:23
“Above all else, guard your heart.”
Do you enjoy some:
1. Peace and boundaries

Romans 12:18
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

Second Timothy 3:1–5
“People will be lovers of themselves… abusive… without self-control… Have nothing to do with such people.”

2. Family conflict foretold

Matthew 10:36
“A man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.”

3. Guarding the heart

Proverbs 4:23
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

4. Trusting God with injustice

Romans 12:19
“Do not take revenge… but leave room for God’s wrath.”

5. Hope beyond brokenness

Revelation 21:4
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes.”
Billy Graham
“God never forces a person to come home. Love always leaves the door open.”
Charles Spurgeon
“The Lord can break the hardest heart and bring the prodigal back.”
Chuck Smith
“Sometimes the most loving thing a parent can do is place a wandering child into God’s hands and wait.”
Billy Graham
“No matter how far you run from God, you are never beyond His reach.”
Charles Spurgeon
“The Lord can soften the hardest heart and bring the prodigal home.”
Chuck Smith
“Parents must sometimes wait in prayer and trust God to do what they cannot.”

The Parable of the Loving Father Who Longed To Protect His Son From A Horrible Wrong Way

(A reflective retelling for fathers who love deeply but must learn wisdom)

Our Lord once told a story that has outlived kingdoms and philosophies because it exposes the human heart with painful honesty.

“A certain man had two sons.” — Luke 15:11

Picture the father. A decent man. A hardworking man. A man who loved his boys more than his own breath. But like many fathers, he had not yet learned the painful art of letting truth do its work.

One day the younger son marched in with a request that was less a request and more a slap in the face.

“Father, give me the share of the property that falls to me.” — Luke 15:12

In the ancient world this meant something like: “Dad, I wish you were dead. Just give me my inheritance now.”

Now imagine the foolish father in our cautionary version of the story.

Instead of pausing.
Instead of correcting the boy.
Instead of saying, “Son, you are not ready for that kind of freedom.”

He totally caves. He chases after for connection. He begs the rebel to return and get saved.

He writes the check.

He funds more and more of the moronic kids' rebellion. (No that dad didn't do that, he acted wisely)

And so,

“He divided the estate between them.” — Luke 15:12

A few days later the boy liquidated everything. Off he went, pockets full, conscience empty, chasing freedom that looked suspiciously like self-destruction.

“The younger son gathered together everything and traveled to a distant country, and there he wasted his fortune in reckless and immoral living.” — Luke 15:13

The far country always promises liberty.
It always delivers slavery.

Soon the money vanished, the friends vanished faster, and reality arrived with sharp teeth.

“When he had spent everything, a severe famine occurred… and he began to be in need.” — Luke 15:14

The boy who once had servants now had none.

The heir of an estate now hired himself out to strangers.

“He went and forced himself on one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs.” — Luke 15:15

To a Jewish audience, this was not just poverty. It was humiliation.

The boy who once sat at his father's table was now watching pigs eat better meals than he did.

“He would have gladly eaten the pods that the pigs were eating… and no one was giving anything to him.” — Luke 15:16

And here is the turning point. The most hopeful sentence in the whole story.

“But when he came to his senses…” — Luke 15:17

Pain can be a cruel teacher, but it is often an effective one.

The boy suddenly remembered something astonishing. His father’s servants lived better than he did.

“How many of my father’s hired men have more than enough bread, while I am dying here with hunger!” — Luke 15:17

So he rehearsed his confession.

“I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight.’” — *Luke 15:18

“I am no longer worthy to be called your son.”** — Luke 15:19

Notice something beautiful.

He does not blame society.
He does not blame his childhood.
He does not blame his father.

He says the rarest words on earth: “I have sinned.”

Charles Spurgeon once said:

“Sin and hell are married unless repentance proclaims the divorce.”

So the broken son begins the long walk home.

And the father?

The father has been watching the road.

“While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.” — Luke 15:20

In that culture dignified men did not run. Patriarchs walked slowly and regally.

But love outran dignity.

The father ran.

The boy began his speech.

“Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” — Luke 15:21

But before he could finish, the father interrupted.

Not with condemnation.

With restoration.

“Bring out the best robe… put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet.” — Luke 15:22

The robe meant honor.
The ring meant authority.
The sandals meant sonship.

Servants went barefoot.

Sons wore shoes.

And then came the celebration.

“Bring the fattened calf… let us feast and celebrate.” — Luke 15:23

Why?

“For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and has been found.” — Luke 15:24

J.C. Ryle once wrote:

“There is joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, because repentance is the resurrection of the soul.”

But the story is not finished.

The elder brother arrives.

He hears happy music.

And instead of joy, he burns with resentment.

“The elder brother became angry and was not willing to go in.” — Luke 15:28

The father goes out again. He pleads again.

But the elder son answers with the cold language of self-righteousness.

“These many years I have served you… yet you never gave me a young goat.” — Luke 15:29

Notice the tragedy.

The younger brother was lost in his own depraved rebellion.
The elder brother was lost in his own depraved self-righteous hubris.

The father replies gently.

“Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.” — Luke 15:31

Then the heart of the gospel:

“It was fitting to celebrate… for this brother of yours was dead and has begun to live. He was lost and has been found.” — Luke 15:32

John MacArthur once said:

“The prodigal son is not the hero of the story. The hero is the father who pictures the heart of God toward repentant sinners.”

And Billy Graham often reminded us:

“No matter how far you have run from God, you are always one step away from home.”

God Can Give Wisdom To Christian Fathers With Wayward Sons

Scripture gives quiet but profound guidance to those open -- to those with ears to hear. Some lessons come from what the father did right, and some from what fathers must never do.
Do they say that offering uninvited advice is criticism.. and then offer you uninvited advice? That's par for the course, right?

What a Wise Christian Father Should Do

Love your child without approving their sin.

“Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth.” — 1 Corinthians 13:6

Allow consequences to do their work.
Pain often awakens repentance.

“Before I was afflicted I went astray.” — Psalm 119:67

Keep the door open for repentance.
The father watched the road.

Be ready to forgive instantly when repentance is genuine.

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another.” — Ephesians 4:32

Restore repentant children with dignity.

Hit your knees. Kneemail is good with the right address attached. To the Father in the name of Jesus. Never stop praying for them.

Monica prayed for Augustine for seventeen years before he was won to Christ. Her life preached loudly too.

Trust the sovereignty of God.

“Train up a child in the way he should go… even when he is old he will not depart from it.” — Proverbs 22:6

Spurgeon said:

“Never despair of your children while God is still on the throne.”

What Christian Fathers Need Not Do Regarding Their Wayward Son

These are the quiet warnings hidden in the parable.

1. Do not become an enabler and finance rebellion

Giving money that fuels sin is not love.

2. Do not rescue them from consequences

God often uses hardship to awaken the conscience.

3. Do not chase them into the far country

You cannot live their repentance for them.

4. Do not manipulate their decisions

True repentance must come from the heart.

5. Do not surrender biblical truth to keep peace

“Faithful are the wounds of a friend.” — Proverbs 27:6

6. Do not harden your heart in bitterness

A father’s love must remain open.

7. Do not confuse forgiveness with enabling

Forgiveness in the heart can maybe restore a relationship.
Enabling prolongs rebellion.

8. Do not lose hope -- Jesus is your hope

God the Father specializes in prodigals.

Charles Spurgeon said:

“The Lord delights to save the worst of sinners so that none will despair.”

Every father eventually learns a painful truth:

You cannot control your children. A lost adult child or spouse can make a home like hell. My wife prays daily and has largely made our home like heaven! It was the Lord really. Choose wisely.

You cannot force the large or small child's repentance.

But you too can remain faithful, prayerful, and ready.

And when the day comes that a broken son finally walks up that long road home, wondering, a wise father will still be standing there.

Focus on Jesus. Keep an eye on the road livin' the life..

... and ready to run.

Wednesday, May 6, 2026

They Can Escape Your Presence, But Not Your Prayers. They Can Cancel And Cut You Off To Train Or Punish If They Like. Let Them Split To Do Their Own Thang If They Are Determined To.

As Long As They Have Breath. The Lord Won't Give Up On Reaching Out To Them. He's Right There Patently Trying To Bring Them To Their Senses.

Many Bullheaded Know-It-Alls Have Rebelled and Run From God. Have You Read The Prodigal Sons Story?

Are There Lessons for Parents of a Last Days Prodigal Sons Who Know Better?

An Explanation of the Future (2 Tim. 3:1)

How do you draw the line between helping someone who appears to be in need and allowing someone to take advantage of you?

1 Peter 5:8 - "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."

1 Thessalonians 5:6-8 - "Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober."

1 Peter 1:13 - "Therefore prepare your minds for action. Be sober-minded. Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ."

Titus 2:11-12 - "God's grace teaches us to 'live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world.'"