Wild Son Wake Up Moment!

James Cathcart October 22, 2025 3 3

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Luke 15: 17-19 (NIV)

17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’

We refresh the feed on our news apps for the latest headlines from the Parable of the Two Sons:

WAKE UP CALL FOR WILD SON: ANY VACANCIES DAD?

‘HIRE’ CALLING FOR DISGRACED SON

“DAD I’VE MADE A ‘PIG’ MISTAKE”

HUMBLE PIE FOR PIG STY GUY

At his lowest eb the younger son wants to turn his life around, but he’s not ready to fall completely on his father’s mercy. Seeing the hired hands around him he sees a way back to his father through service. He’s not going to claim the title of ‘son’ that he so ruthlessly monetised earlier, essentially wishing his father dead by claiming his inheritance early. He asks not for his father’s mercy, only his father’s pity.

Sometimes we doubt God’s mercy. We doubt that anyone could love us enough through all we’ve been through. And instead, perhaps without even realising it, we ask instead for God’s pity. We draw up a contract with God and hope that God will take pity on our circumstances, will give us the benefit of the doubt if we do enough to make amends.

But God does not offer us pity.

God offers us mercy.

For God offers us love. A bone-deep, soul-deep love that knows no qualification or compromise. God does not offer us begrudging acceptance. There’s no trial month or cool-off period.

The younger son in the parable, penitent though he is, still wants to go on his own terms, he wants to earn his way back. 

It’s not necessary for him and it’s not necessary for us either.

Prayer:

Dear God,

Sorry when we ask for your pity

when you would gladly give us your mercy

and sorry we beg for your tolerance

when you willingly give us your love.

Amen.