Faith & Reason Nexus

Luke 15:11-24

In the parable of the Prodigal Son, Jesus illustrates a powerful lesson about a man who ventured to “a far country.” This “far country” represents a state of spiritual separation from God. Let’s explore what this “far country” means and why individuals may find themselves there.

What is a Far Country?

A “far country” can be understood as:

• “Anywhere a man tries to live without God.”
  It is a place, whether physical or metaphorical, where a person chooses to live outside of God’s presence and influence.
  • Psalm 14:1 – “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’”
• “Forgetfulness of God.”
  This refers to a spiritual condition where a person, through their actions or attitude, forgets or disregards God’s guidance and care.
  • Deuteronomy 8:11-14 – Israel was warned not to forget God when they prospered.
• “Alienated from the life of God.”
  A person in a “far country” is alienated from God’s presence, leading to a life devoid of spiritual fulfillment.
  • Ephesians 4:18 – “They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them…”

Why Do Men Go to This Far Country?

1. Because of the Desire for Freedom
   Many people, like the prodigal son, seek freedom from rules and restrictions. They yearn for independence, which they mistakenly believe they will find outside of God’s will.
   • John 8:36 – “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”
   • Galatians 5:1 – “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free.”
   • James 1:25 – “But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it…”
   • 1 Peter 2:16 – “As free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God.”
   • John 8:32 – “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
2. Because of the Power of Sin
   Sin often lures people away from God. The attraction to sinful pleasures can draw individuals into a life that distances them from God’s ways.
   • 1 Peter 2:20-21 – “For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning.”
   • Hebrews 11:25 – “Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin.”
   • Psalm 52:3 – “You love evil more than good, lying rather than speaking righteousness.”
   • Jeremiah 14:10 – “Thus says the Lord to this people: ‘Thus they have loved to wander; they have not restrained their feet.’”
   • Job 15:16 – “How much less man, who is abominable and filthy, who drinks iniquity like water!”
3. Because of the Love of Money
   The pursuit of wealth and material gain often pulls people away from God. This love for money leads them to make choices that lead to spiritual emptiness.
   • 1 Timothy 6:9-10 – “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil.”
4. Because Brethren Let Them
   Sometimes, people go to the “far country” because the Christian community fails to hold them accountable. They are allowed to wander, and without intervention, they fall deeper into sin.
   • Genesis 4:9 – “Then the Lord said to Cain, ‘Where is your brother Abel?’ He said, ‘I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?’”
   • This illustrates the importance of mutual care and accountability among believers to prevent them from wandering away from God.

Lessons from the Far Country

The “far country” is a place where one experiences spiritual emptiness, brokenness, and regret, just as the prodigal son did. However, the parable also reveals the loving and forgiving nature of God, as the son returns, and the father eagerly receives him back.

• Repentance and Restoration: No matter how far one may go, repentance opens the door for God’s forgiveness and reconciliation.
  • Luke 15:20 – “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.”

Conclusion

We are all susceptible to going to a “far country” due to the desires of freedom, the power of sin, the love of money, and the failure of others to help us. However, like the prodigal son, we can always return to the Father, who is waiting with open arms to welcome us back into His loving presence. The question is, will we recognize our condition and return, or will we continue in our journey away from God?