PRACTICAL TOPICS by C. C. L.

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 14, 1882

PRACTICAL TOPICS.

By C. C. L.

In the story of the prodigal son, we have vividly pictured the sinner’s downward course, the manner of his return to righteousness, and his reception by the Infinite Being, against whom he has sinned.

Notice, first, the steps of his downfall:—

1. He becomes “heady, high-minded,” and thinking himself able to do without God, he demands to be released from his service. The Lord allows him to have his own way. Verse 12.

2. He departs far from God, tries to forget that God exists; and that he may be the more successful in this work, he engages in the sinful pleasures of the world. Verse 13.

3. After wasting all his substance in a vain effort to satisfy his passions and drown his convictions, he finds himself penniless and ruined. Verse 14.

4. Despised and forsaken by his former companions in luxury, but unable to brook the mortification of returning to God and acknowledging his sins, he plunges still more deeply into debauchery, becomes a mere wreck of his former self, and seems beyond the hope of rescue. Verses 15, 16.

But the arm of Jehovah is “mighty to save,” and can lift from the lowest degradation the sinner who will do his part.

Let us examine, secondly, the sinner’s return:

1. The infamy and distress of his situation begin to lead him into serious reflections. Gradually recovering his reason, which had been almost dethroned “by the mad intoxication of sensual pleasure,” he “comes to himself,” and plainly sees the folly of perishing, while at his father’s house the bread of life is freely offered. Verse 17.

2. The decision is made, “I will arise and go to my father,” and the battle is half won. Verse 18.

3. At the same time he also lays out a noble course of action to be pursued when he shall come into his father’s presence. With sorrow he will confess his sins, with shame acknowledge his unworthiness to be called son, and with humility plead only for the most lowly place in his father’s family. Verses 18, 19.

4. Drawing new courage and strength from the nobility of his resolutions, he at once begins to execute them. “He arose, and came to his father.” Verse 20.

Observe his reception by his father. Seeing him afar off, the father runs forth to meet his son. He does not wait to hear the confession finished which the latter begins; but, reading repentance in his return, he fell on his neck, and not only forgave him, but with great rejoicing restored him to the position he had forfeited. So will our Father in Heaven receive the returning sinner.

Dear reader, you may not be so fearfully sunken in sin as was this prodigal; you may never have been a Christian, or you may be a wanderer from your Father’s house. However, this may be, somewhere along the prodigal’s course will your position be found. It will be a happy time when you “come to yourself,” and feel your need of God. More blessed still will be your decision to return to God with humility in your heart and confession upon your lips. But stop not here, else you lose the blessing; arise and return, and in so doing God will meet you.

“Return, O wanderer, return, And seek thy Father’s face; Those new desires which in thee burn, Were kindled by his grace,”

“Return, O wanderer, return; Thy Saviour bids thee live; Come to his cross, and, grateful, learn How freely he’ll forgive.”

“Return, O wanderer, return; Regain thy long-sought rest; The Saviour’s melting mercies yearn To clasp thee to his breast.”

C. C. L.

PRACTICAL TOPICS.*

PRACTICAL TOPICS.