August 14

Luke 15:11-32 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:

Journal Entry

Scripture

27And he said to him, 'Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.' 28But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, 29but he answered his father, 'Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. 30But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!' 31And he said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.'"

Observation

The tale of two sons. The tale of God's love. The tale of what happens in heaven when one returns back to Jesus! I love this classic story of the prodigal son. There is so much application about redemption as well as understanding God's heart for us! I've always gleaned on the theme of the Father's heart in this parable. However, in the story of the older son, there are also many lessons I can gain. In so many ways, the brother had every right to be angry at his father. What his father did felt so unfair. It makes no sense for him to throw such a party for his younger son. The younger son should be punished for what he had done. In fact, the younger brother should apologize not only to the father but also to the older brother. And yet, the parable is clear that the father wanted his older son to rejoice with him. It is not about what is fair, it is about rejoicing at a son who has returned to his father. God rejoices when His children return to Him. God would much rather throw a party and rejoice on the who returned rather than trying to figure out the fairness of such decision.

Application

I feel like the older brother. I feel like I have been faithful to God and His ministry over the years. I feel like I "deserve" some of God's blessings in my life. I feel God is unfair at times. And yet, this passage is a great reminder that Christ came to seek and save the lost. That when I accepted Jesus, He accepted me just as I was… And He rejoiced when I came to Him and threw a party for me up in heaven. Now He calls me to do the same for life, a soul that's been saved and rescued.

Prayer

God, what an incredible reminder of Your big and wide heart! Teach me to understand and rejoice in You. Help me to celebrate You for the lives that come to know and return back to You! Help me to be less selfish and more selfless for You!

--calebskim