Your mind has the capacity to take you places that are very dangerous for your soul. This episode explores the Parable of the Prodigal Son through the lens of the older brother. This story really could be called the Parable of the Prodigal Sons (plural), because not only did the younger son lose his way, but the one who stayed home also became lost. Ultimately, getting lost has nothing to do with one’s physical location. We don’t have to run away to get lost. When we allow our minds to take us to dark places, it’s easy to get lost at home.

The things that preoccupy our minds expose the place we truly call home. This episode explores the Parable of the Prodigal Son through the lens of the younger brother. When we place ourselves in the story, it becomes clear that leaving home is more than a physical state; it’s a spiritual problem. In the far country, we become deaf to the voice of the Father. Leaving home is ultimately disbelief that God provides everything we need.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s story offers an excellent example of a life fully surrendered to Jesus. Their willingness to face the furnace is the embodiment of devotion to God. What looked like the end of their lives turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to them. Facing death over worshipping a false idol led to a divine encounter that forever marked their lives. Today’s episode reminds listeners to stand strong in challenging times because God is still meeting people in the furnace.