"May Day From The Distant Country", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

It's bad enough to get soft and flabby in our physical bodies, which is the result of sedentary lifestyle, age, illness, etc.

It's an entirely different issue when we allow that to happen in our spiritual life.

I liked the translation of one of the verses from the bible I used yesterday so much that I decided to use it again.

James 5:5
"[Here] on earth you have abandoned yourselves to soft (prodigal) living and to [the pleasures of] self-indulgence and self-gratification. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter."

Everything in that verse that we know is harmful to our body is also harmful to our spirit and soul as well.

In fact, it could be said that this verse is metaphorical, which is a common method used throughout the bible.

The parable of the Prodigal Son is representative of every person who has ever established a relationship with God and Jesus Christ as Savior.

From that parable in Luke:

Luke 15:13 - "And not many days after that, the younger son gathered up all that he had and journeyed into a distant country, and there he wasted his fortune in reckless and loose [from restraint] living."

Perhaps you will need some convincing today, but this verse is speaking about you.

It is the common human condition of all mankind before they acknowledge where they have come from, where they are presently, and where they need to return to.

There is no deviation. It is the one thing we all share in common with each other. We have all sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God. There is no one who has ever been righteous and without sin. Not one single one. Except Jesus Christ Himself.

Simply put, we are all Prodigals who have strayed away and need to come home to God.

I want to develop this over the next few days.

For now let's leave it at this.

Are you nestled into the comfort of your home with God in the Kingdom on earth?

Or are you living a life of despair in the distant country?

Where have you come from? Where are you now? Where are you headed?

This is a fundamental question that needs to be answered and for many never will be.

I can picture smiles or frowns this morning.

I pray that most are smiles.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><