The Partnership of Folly and Famine (Luke 15:11-16)
The Fortuitous Partnership of Folly and Famine (Luke 15:14)
The famine of the parable is a good thing. How so? The son of the story has no regard for the feelings of others or the consequences of his sin. But two come against him to make him realize his wrongs. First among those that will make him think is Wasteful Living or Folly. It will take a while. But Folly (aka Foolishness) will eventually put the prodigal son in a place where he has to think. But Folly will need help. It requires the assistance of circumstance. Specifically, the circumstance of Famine. The famine of the parable conspires with the Folly of the son to force him to slow down and think about what he has been doing. Prior to wasting his livelihood (Folly) and this new period of resource lack in the region (Famine), the character does not consider the consequences of his conduct; he only cares about in-the-moment pleasure (Romans 16:18; Philippians 3:19). The wayward son does not care about the pain he has caused and does not consider the long-term effect of his decisions.
Not Done Being Dumb (Luke 15:15)
In the story the son is not immediately repentant when faced with the poverty that comes out of the famine and his wasteful living. It will take a little time for the hardship to reach his head and heart. Rather than go home the young man of the story joined himself to a citizen of the far country. The citizen of that country was growing swine. Jesus’ listeners would hear that this person was not a follower of Yahweh. Why? Jews, because of the law of God, are not to have any dealings with swine. Instead of giving up an going home the young man digs in his heels and puts himself into the service of people that are living contrary to the ways of God. He does it so that he can remain in his rebellion, so that he can avoid acknowledging how badly he has messed up, and so that he does not have to face the father that he has disrespected.
Do not be condescending toward this parable character. He is us! I am getting the most out of the story when I am willing to acknowledge the times in my own life when I have walked away from God, wasted my gifts, and then refused to repent. He is me!
Questions for Consideration
- In what ways have I taken the Lord’s provision and wasted it? The Lord has provided you with time, with talent, and a measure of treasure.
- What circumstances have conspired with my foolishness to create conditions that are uncomfortable?