In the story of the return of the Prodigal son and the rejoicing that took place upon his return. The elder brother’s attitude was one of anger after being so faithful to the father and not playing the prodigal. He probably felt forgotten, unappreciated and not rewarded for doing good, while his prodigal brother was being blessed by the father. How would you feel?
Scriptural Reflection
Luke 15:28 "The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!'
The True Gift
The gift we should desired is not some temporary joy, honor or the celebration—but the Father himself. The greatest gift was the lasting love of the Father.
When you feel spiritually exhausted; you’re tempted to wonder “am I forgotten and overlooked.” What are you really looking and working for? What are you expecting to receive, and what will it do for you? If you have been faithful, you already have the greatest gift of all, which is the love of God?
Encouragement and the Father’s Words
Yes, we get tired and feel as though we have little to show for our effort? Listen again to the Fathers’ words to the older son: “Everything that belongs to your Father also belongs to you.”
Don’t be proud and self-righteous, when God blesses others and calls others by name and not yours. The prodigal had returned home what joy - but lost so much.
This was my subject Sunday morning titled “The Prodigal Son.” Archived at our church website. www.livingwordtabernacle.com
Pastor Bill Ivy - Living Word Tabernacle, Campbell Missouri USA