The Prodigal's Restlessness and Rebellion, v11-13.

III. THE SON'S DEPARTURE

Having considered the Prodigal's 'Discontentment' we move on to consider his 'Departure'! Where there is discontentment and it is not dealt with and conquered then it will lead to departure. Paul said this: "But godliness with contentment is great gain," 1 Timothy 6:6. Only godliness can produce contentment. I mentioned at the beginning of this study that the devil was a discontent spirit and that is because of his ungodliness! There is no discontentment with God. "Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure," Isaiah 46:10. God has no reason for discontentment! All His plans and purposes will come to pass. His perfect will shall be perfectly accomplished. It is as we are conformed to God, become more godly, short for 'godlike', that we enter into God's contentment and peace and tranquillity!

The discontent son was not in harmony with his father - hence his discontentment! "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls," Matthew 11:29.

1. The son departs as soon as he can. "And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country," verse 13.

As soon as he receives the means of departing and makes the arrangements he goes. What a testimony of his distaste for his father his haste is. This is the spirit of fallen man at work.

"And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden," Genesis 3:8.