The Far Country

When the prodigal son took his journey, there is no doubt he took a physical, literal journey into the far country. The far country was full of bright lights, city attractions, and sensuality. It was enough, whatever it was, to lure even the fathers son away from home. But what is the far country? Does it have to be across the country? I don't believe so.

The moral of this story as Jesus told it was not the son that left, but the elder son that was still with the father. The Pharisees were murmuring about Jesus eating with and receiving sinners. Jesus responded by telling them about the sheperd who left ninety-nine to find one, and when he is found, there is great rejoicing. The same with the lost coin, etc.

So the problem being dealt with in this parable is not the sons that leave physically, but rather the ones who never left the fathers side, yet never understood the heart of their father toward those who were wayward.

The Bible is clear that we should be very forgiving as spiritual Christians in the spirit of meekness. (Gal. 6:1) This was not the case in Luke 15. The elder brother had a clear problem.

Only a selfish, self-centered person would be upset with the rejoicing over a son come home. You see, the elder brother was as far away in his heart from the father as the younger son was literally. And by the way, it's just as far of a trip back home when it's a heart problem as when it's a outward flesh problem. I know this because I've never been to the far country in person. I've never run to the bright lights and big city attractions of this world. Yet I have made my homeward run many times--in my heart.

I do not downplay the fact that the elder son had never left home. It is no secret that the physical far country holds far more dire consequences than the far country of your heart. But I assure you that the far country of your heart is no less sinful.

I have returned from that far country a few times. I will not, by the grace of God, go back. That far country has its markings--critical of everyone and everything, fleshly decisions, and self-serving and self-centered actions. While in that far country of your heart, you can't even allow someone else to enjoy the blessings of God on their life. The servants think they're spiritual, the brethren are overplayed, and the father is unjust and unfair after how good YOU'VE been. That's how you think in the far country of your heart! Leave it at once. Realize that the physical far country is a place that you could be tomorrow aside from Gods grace, and rejoice with the rest of us. The father has slain the fatted calf for those for whom we rejoice. You won't stop the party, so you might as well get in on it.

Notice that the father reminded the elder about his inheritance at the end of the story..."All that I have is thine," he said.

Just maybe if you'll come home from the pity-party, you'll be the next recepient of the fatted calf. In fact, I know that you will. But there aren't fatted calfs slain at the fathers table for those who abide in the far country, whether in the flesh, or in their heart.

Come home.