Royal Escape

“The world and its desires pass away – but the one who does the will of God lives forever.” – 1 John 2:17 NIV

THIS PAST Sunday, the front pages of the tabloids and the Broadsheets were awash with stories that senior members of the Royal family were expected to hold crisis talks today at Sandringham to discuss the future roles of Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex, Megan Markle.

Earlier last week the couple had unexpectedly announced that they were stepping back from their front line roles as royals. In a statement, they said, “We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen.” The move was a surprise to many – including their own family who were not consulted on the decision.

The story of a son leaving a royal/wealthy family is not new. There is an example of one in the Book of Luke, where the younger of two brothers (like Harry in this case) decides to take his wealth and find pastures new. However, he soon finds life tougher than he imagined and squanders most of his money and ends up living off the same food as pigs. In his misery he comes to his senses and decides to return home to his father – who throws a big feast upon his return (Luke 15:11-32 MSG).

As we are in the first few weeks of a New Year and decade – have you run away from the presence from the your Heavenly Father – thinking that the world has something better to offer? Remember that the Bible says, “The world and its desires pass away – but the one who does the will of God lives forever” (1 John 2:17 NIV).  In other words, the world has nothing to offer on a long term basis – just ask the Prodigal Son.

Therefore, this is the year to return back to your father. There is no sin or disobedience that cannot be forgiven – that was the purpose of the parable of the Prodigal Son. Jesus was showing us that no matter what sin we have committed, that the Father’s arms will always be wide open. So the word for you this week is – return home!