Closer Day By Day

Bible Passage:  Luke 15-16

Perhaps one of the most beautiful parables is the parable of the prodigal son. We can ask ourselves, are we like the younger or older son?

Perhaps there is a bit of both in each of us.

If we compare ourselves with the characters in the parable, we can indeed see ourselves.

THE YOUNGER SON

Many times we foolishly think that we can make it on our own without God’s grace.

We are unwilling to be led. We want to control our own destiny. We are not humble.

We think that we can find happiness in the temptations of the world. But after we have tasted them, we are still unhappy.

We have been running away from the Lord, instead of towards Him.

The unfortunate thing is that the further we are from our Father, the more difficult it is to hear his voice. The father did not go in search of the younger son. The son had to make the decision himself to come back. If the father had gone in search of him, no doubt he would have resented it.

That is a decision we all have to make.

When the time comes for repentance, we may feel unworthy. We feel that we are not fit to receive His mercy and forgiveness. Remorse may stop us from attending church services. We are too ashamed to come before Him.

But we have to realise that we are the children of God. Many times we fall short of the grace of God and sin consciously. God understands we are weak in the flesh and can guide us if we let Him.

We have to have the faith that that our Father will forgive us and He loves us unconditionally, if we are willing to repent.

THE OLDER SON

Like the older son, are we offended by God’s grace towards another brother or sister, especially if we doubt the person’s conduct and character?

Slipping into self righteousness, like the older son, is a danger for good people.

Instead our hearts should be constantly grateful to God for his gifts and we must be humble before Him.

If we find it difficult to rejoice when the younger son returns, is that because we have already forgotten that we were lost and found by God?

Think of how hurt the younger son would be to know that he was not welcomed by his own brother.

Those who repent today and want to return must feel hurt if they are not welcomed by the brothers and sisters in church.

GOD’S MERCY AND GRACE

Notice what the father said to the elder son “…All I have is yours” (v 31).

Isn’t it mind-boggling that we are so important to God?

Yet that is the point of the three parables of Luke 15. God loves each and every one of us equally, no matter how illogical that may seem.

” You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you” (John 15:16)