Luke 15:11-32… Here is the story of the Prodigal Son (or, as the real hero is the Dad, it could have been called The Parable of the Yearning Father). This is probably one of the greatest short stories ever told (and re-told).
Every one of us has encountered the four distinct relationships brought out in the parable of the Prodigal Son - self, things, others and God. It’s a story that encompasses all four. The youngest son comes to his father and says (in effect): “I wish was somewhere else. I can't find happiness hanging out with the people around here. Give me one-third of your goods and property, as it’s coming to me anyway! And also sell a portion of the land we've inherited from our forefathers. I want my inheritance now! Only money can make me happy.”