“And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. 21And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ Luke 15:20-21 NKJV
One of the greatest parts of this scripture in the results of repentance. We've witnessed the whole story and seen the selfishness of the younger sin. With no thought for his father, or his elder brother for that matter, he went off to enjoy himself while they picked up the tab of double work. Through it all, we don't see the father getting angry or upset because his son had left in such a fashion. However, we can imagine that the elder brother would have let rip and his brothers' antics.
Now the Prodigal is home, he has learned his lesson and is quite willing to say so. However, the father set this as repentance (which it was). His son had left the family home but, through a series of events, he had returned full of sorrow and this is what touched the father's heart. Deep down in a father's heart is that yearning for one of his children to 'come home in true repentance and be saved.' And this is what had happened.
Much rejoicing in heaven and much rejoicing in the home. This is a recipe for Christian living. Many children leave the family home and, it tears the parent's heart apart. They know one day it will happen but 'hey, not yet, give us some time'. But time is what we haven't got. Time is very short in this world. In heaven, it is everlasting, on earth it is over in a flash. Sio make the very most of it - don't waste any of it.
Was that elder brother justified to act in such a bitter way? Answer, no he was way out of line. The father had to do what he had to do as a father, it was his job and responsibility. He showed no favouritism at all. His values were commendable and he received the benefit for this - the return of his beloved son - totally changed. The older son would need to do a lot of thinking and soul-searching before he would be able to see this more clearly. But at the moment, he was too angry. This would be a job for the Holy Spirit at some time in the future.
So we can see the the complexities of family life and try to understand how things can change as we do our bitt. No one is perfect. We do our best and really, this is all Jesus asks. As long as our heart is full of Jesus, we have the right type of vision so.make sure you handle this right.
If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:
'Lord Jesus, I have sinned and I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.
In Jesus' Name. Amen'
Copyright 2026 Grahame Howard.
dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com
If you would like to contact me, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk
Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers
Why not order my Daily Commentary from Amazon - Paperback or Kindle
Check it out
No comments:
Post a Comment
Leave a message