God manifested. The only thing that produces “truth in the inward parts” is the grace that imputes nothing. This is the secret of God’s power in setting hearts right with Himself. It is God’s right and privilege to come amidst sin and sinners, to come near to sinners. This may not suit a moral man; but it suits God, because He and He only can deliver out of it. Why is this picture drawn thus? To show that nothing could put the sinner beyond the reach of grace.
The prodigal was doing his own will, and this is the secret of all sin. And note, whether we are living in vice or not, we have all turned at some time or other our back on God; this is our history as men. The prodigal went forth to do his own will.
A parent’s heart will understand it. Our child sins against us – we feel it. We sin against God; and do not feel it nor do we trouble our heads that if we do not feel it, God does.
Any person who lives beyond his means, looks rich for a time; so does the sinner wasting his soul, seem happy, but he is not really, for liberty of will is just slavery to the devil.
“No one gave to him.”
There is no giving in the far country, “not even of husks.” Satan sells all, and dearly. Our souls are the price. Satan sells everything.
Would you find a giver, you must come to God. Necessity finds God out.