PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 15:25-32
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“You are always with me, and everything I have is yours.” (Luke 15:31)
This chapter begins with the muttering of the religious leaders.
Jesus is clearly speaking to them through this older son.
The older son is the ‘already saved one’ who forgets God’s grace.
Their faith is more of routine or duty, and not a delight.
“I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders.” (Luke 15:29)
This parable should probably better be called ‘the prodigal sons’.
Out of both sons, which one ended up closer to the father?
Often converted sinners become the most dynamic believers.
They know what grace means, how their belonging is 100% a gift.
Jesus reminds me of what a great blessing it is to know Jesus.
That he is ALWAYS with me, and that EVERYTHING he has is mine too!
Like the father to the older son, Jesus is pleading with me too (v.28).
He wants me to appreciate how graced I already am.
And he wants me to be gracious to those who need to know that grace!
PRAYER
Lord, impress upon my heart how gracious you are to me. And help me not to grumble when you are gracious to others.
He is always with me.
“But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’” It really is time to celebrate when someone finds their way to Jesus and believes! Nothing is more important! The Father knew that but the other son sat in judgement because he felt it was so undeserving – he’d rather see his brother punished and pay the price for his sins. Again sin is crouching at the door of the other son – who can’t forgive and can’t bring himself to celebrate the return and the contriteness of his brother. Lord, help me not be judgmental – instead leave that up to you – rather help me to be more like the Father in the parable – just like you have received me!
Being in the family, serving the Lord. That is a daily adventure. That is myliving for Jesus. Iwas raised in a Christian famiy serving the Lord always. And when I participate in a Bible study I am always amazed at those who came to Jesus later in life whenChrist brought them out of their addictions or serving just the self interests. Their knowledge and abiity to share the gospel puts me to same. Welcome to the family for with our various gifts we all serve the risen Saviour and it is by His grace we are one in the Lord serving Him.
1 Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount out-poured–
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.
Refrain:
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!
2 Sin and despair, like the sea-waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater– yes, grace untold–
Points to the Refuge, the mighty Cross. [Refrain]
3 Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
All who are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive? [Refrain]