We all have moments when life doesn’t turn out the way we thought it would – when we chase success, love, or freedom, only to end up feeling empty or far from the peace we hoped to find.

Sometimes, without even realizing it, we drift from God. And when we do, he doesn’t always chase us down. Sometimes he waits for us to wake up and recognize how far we’ve wandered.

Key Takeaways

Wake up. Head home. Find grace.

In the Parable of the Lost Son, Jesus tells of a young man who demanded his inheritance, left home, and lost everything. When he hit rock bottom, he “came to his senses” and remembered his father’s love.

Real change begins when we admit that life apart from God isn’t working and turn back toward him. The father in the story doesn’t condemn or question his son. He runs to meet him, restores him, and celebrates his return.

That’s the heart of God. He waits with open arms, ready to welcome anyone who decides to come home. If we’ve already found our way back, it’s now our turn to help others find theirs – to serve, to invite, and to celebrate every lost one who’s found.

Pray

Prayer is our time to talk to God. Let this prayer inspire your conversations with God this week.

Father, you are so good to us and do only good. We know that in our spirit, but we also know that our flesh is not aligned to your goodness. Forgive us when we’re impatient and wander. Thank you for not shaming us when we get it wrong, and for running to meet us when we wake up and come back to you.

Lord, you said “If you love me, obey my commands.” Help us grow in our trust and intimacy with you more than the things of this world. Help us to live with expectant hope in what you have for us.

Holy Spirit, help us trust only you and not lean on our own understanding. Cause our thoughts to become agreeable to you and help us to follow your way. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Worship

Bring the worship set from this weekend into your Slot and Spot and praise God that his love doesn’t fail.

“The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.” – Psalms 103:8 NLT

• House of the Lord – Vertical Worship
• Mighty Name of Jesus – Hope Darst
• Reckless Love – Cory Asbury

Learn

This week, read through the scripture shared in the message and dive deeper into God’s word.

Read

• Luke 15:11-24
• The Prodigal Sons

Watch

• The Prodigal Son: Luke 9-19 from Bible Project

Listen

• Luke 15 from Through the Word

Reflect

Reflect on these questions during your Slot and Spot/discussions with others.

Luke 15:11-24 tells a story about a young man who leaves home, only to come to his senses and end up returning. What does this story reveal to you about human nature and our desire for independence?

• In what ways can you relate to the younger son? Have you ever realized you drifted away from what mattered most? What brought you to your senses?
• How can you become more aware when you start drifting away from God? What steps can help you return to him sooner?

To the son’s surprise, when he decides to return home, his father does not condemn him. Instead, he runs to him and shows him love and compassion.

• What stands out to you about the father’s reaction when the son returns? How does that correlate with God’s character?
• What can you do this week to accept God’s grace and let go of any shame or fear that is keeping you from returning home?

God calls us to show the same love and compassion that the father showed his son to those around us who are finding their way back to him.

• Who in your life might be “far from home?” How can you help them find their way back?
• How can you create a “party for grace” at The Journey to help others return home?

Next Steps

• Reflect: Take time this week to thank God for how far he ran to meet you. Invite: Bring someone with you next week to church.
• Serve: Join the J-Team. Help “set the table” for others to come home. Join us for Plugged In and find your part on our team