Luke 15:23-24 ‘…And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now is found.’ So the party began…v.28 The older brother was angry and wouldn’t go in….
When I read this story I must admit I’ve sometimes sympathised with the older brother because on the surface it seemed so unfair. He’d slogged away for years and yet the brother who goes off with all his money and lives in sin gets the reward of a party! It’s not till we examine the father’s reply that the truth of the situation is unfolded.
His dad explains that absolutely everything he has, now belongs to the older brother already, and had done since his other brother left! He only had to ask to have a party with his friends and he could have had it straight away, and more besides. It was already his to have, but the older brother was so caught up in his ‘works’, in his self righteous attitude, he’d never asked for anything, so he never received anything.
It was a ‘What about me, and what I’ve done!’ attitude. He just didn’t realise what he already had, and that it wasn’t because of what he did, but because of his father’s goodness, he was already blessed beyond measure!
The younger brother knew he was in a mess and didn’t deserve a thing, but he also knew his dad and his loving heart so he went home, repented and asked for help. He only asked to be taken on as a servant but his dad wanted to immediately welcome him back as his lost son, to bless him.
I wonder which son are we identifying with? It’s possible to forget that God our Father gave us not only His own Son, but He’s given us everything else as well. He will give us our heart’s desire if we ask. Like we found on Sunday, the table is spread for a feast but do we come to the table and receive what is already ours because of Jesus?
Jesus said to ask, seek and knock. Are we tempted to think others are better off in some way than us, when all we have to do is ask? Jesus told us to simply ask, not because we’ve earned it or deserve it but because of His grace!
Let’s spend some time with the Lord and ask Him to show us what to ask for, and not be afraid to ask big! 😊
Romans 8:32 Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?
Yes, we already have it. We just don't appreciate what we have. Just ask and you will be given.
ReplyDeleteHere in Africa people say God takes time to give. So they go to the small gods for quick riches. Only to lose again.
You don't have to pay cows, goats nor chicken to receive anything from the Lord. Faith and prayers are the price you have to pay. Is that so difficult ? Thirty minutes of prayer will win you lots of happiness. Riches don't always make you happy. A poor man sleeps well when his family is happy with just a meal a day but a rich man may have bungalows and cars but no child, debts and worries thus less sleep.
Just ask Him today what you want God to do for you. He is waiting.
The Lord bless you always 🙏
Gilbert
Thanks so much for your wise words. Much appreciated. God bless you.Jackie.
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