I will set out and go back to my father.
—Luke 15:18
Israel was headed for Assyrian exile for their spiritual adultery. They were unfaithful to God and refused to accept responsibility for their misconduct. Their expressed love for God, who had given them “favored nation” status, was superficial, “like a morning mist, like the dew that goes early away (Hos 6:4).
Refusal to go all in and accept responsibility for behavior has a long history—all the way back to Eden: Adam blamed Eve, and Eve blamed the serpent. From then until now, humans have exhibited creative ability to avoid responsibility.
The name of the road to recovery is “Return.” “Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God” (Hos 14:1).
If you have strayed, borrow a line and a decision from a prodigal: “I will set out and go back to my father” (Lk 15:18).
Punch the “reset” button
and return to the Father.