LEARNING DAILY

Luke 15:31-32, And he said to him, “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost and is found."

Jesus shares a story about two sons. One had squandered his inheritance on sinful and immoral living that caused him to be lost in loneliness. He finally realized how lost he was and decided to go back home, knowing he could not repay his father; the only thing he could do was humbly ask for his forgiveness.

There was another brother, the older son, who becomes enraged at the thought his father would receive back his brother. The father was even going to throw a great party in the son’s honor. The older son had never had any idea of his lostness. He had lived within the wealth of his father without the realization that he needed to die to self. “It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost and is found." These verses are about the father’s response to the older brother’s jealousy about a party to given for his younger brother’s return. The Lord Jesus is speaking about God’s love and forgiveness for all sinners! It never changes.

The celebration in this story speaks of God’s enormous love and mercy for each of us. Take some time to remember the greatness of God in saving you, and the time He has spent changing you. Remember the times you stepped or stumbled off the narrow way and how He welcomed you back on it once you came to Him with a humble heart of repentance. It has been said and written many times that God is a God of forgiveness and second chances. Perhaps you can say with me that He is a God of many chances! That seems to be at the very center of His love for each of His children, those who believe and follow Him. Let this be an encouragement for any reading this – no matter how far you may have strayed from God He is waiting and watching with open arms to forgive and welcome you back. Just like the father in the parable God rejoices when one of His returns to Him so He can smother him/her in His unconditional love. This is for anyone, no matter where you are on your spiritual journey.

“And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.’” This father’s reassurance to his oldest son is a reminder of God’s constant love and presence in the lives of Believers. Let that statement get deep into your spirit. “You are always with me.” Signifies that God’s love never changes and He is with Believers through every circumstance they face. “All that is mine is yours.” Do you understand that this is a promise of inheritance and blessing for all who are faithful? It might not be right now; it certainly is for all eternity for all who persevere in their relationship with God!

“It was fitting to celebrate and be glad.” God celebrates when a sinner repents; it is an invitation for each Believer to join in.  In this world of uncertainty, with all that is trying to make us fear tomorrow, it is a reminder to reflect on the significance of remaining faithful to God knowing that the Believer’s obedience will be met with an eternal inheritance and God’s blessings.