To the one who lacks sense, Folly says, “Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten secretly is tasty!” Proverbs 9:16-17
To the one who lacks sense, Wisdom says, “Come, eat my bread, and drink the wine I have mixed. Leave inexperience behind, and you will live; pursue the way of understanding. Proverbs 9:4-5
Jesus said, “A man had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Give me the share of the estate I have coming to me.’ So he distributed the assets to them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered together all he had and traveled to a distant country where he squandered his estate in foolish living. He went to work for one of the citizens of that country who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. He longed to eat the food the pigs were eating, but no one would give him any. When he came to his senses, he said, ‘I will go to my father and say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ So he got up and went to his father. But while his son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him.” Luke 15:11-20
My words…
Praise
I wonder: Just how many senses do I have (beyond my five sensing organs)? I can sense fear and contentment, tension and peace, and much more. I have come to rely on my senses. But what happens when I leave my senses behind and forge ahead without them? In other words, what happens when I take leave of my senses? I haven’t done it lately since it tends to be a young person’s choice. It doesn’t need to happen very often before vital lessons are learned and remembered. During those times when I turned toward Folly and left Wisdom at the gate, I could not sense danger or regret, nor could I sense peace or self-worth. After a while, the sparkle of Folly faded, and I came to my senses. Wisdom opened the gate, and I walked through. And there You were. Waiting. Like always.
Prayer for me
Wisdom offers a home for my senses – a safe place where they will mature. There is no doubt that I need more wisdom. I will always need more until the someday when I am with You. Grant me Your wisdom. Just a drop will do.
Forgive me
Forgive me when I turn toward Folly, when I make rash judgments, when I allow my pride too much power, when I keep unwholesome secrets. Wisdom assures me that Folly is my enemy. Forgive me when I don’t listen.
Prayer for others
I pray for all the prodigals who are spending their way toward regret and sorrow. They are skipping alongside Folly, laughing without any sense of where they are headed. Lead them back to their senses, Lord.
Thank you
Thank You for never leaving Your children even when they are living outside of Your wisdom. It doesn’t matter how many times we mess up. It doesn’t matter whether we take leave of just a few or all of our senses. You NEVER leave. You NEVER abandon. There are no words of gratitude worthy enough for Your faithfulness to us – to me. But You take what I offer each time I offer it. I pray that’s enough. For now.
More praise
Your compassion is shouted from the hilltop in this parable. Your heart breaks when Your children lose touch with the spirit You placed in them and waste precious time that could have been spent with You. When You see us from afar, You run to meet us, wrap Your arms around us, and welcome us back home. It’s so much more than a parable. It’s a solemn promise. With all of my senses, I know it to be true.
