Reading: Luke 15:25-32

The younger son — obviously self-centered, obviously gone, obviously lost, obviously ruined, obviously not after his father’s heart.

But he came back, in humility and repentance.

And his father received him — joyously, openly, enthusiastically.

But the older son . . . .

“And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him” (28).

The elder son — too much like his younger brother, just not quite as obviously.

And the father wanted him as well.

Both of those boys needed to learn from their Dad: how to have a heart.

Oh, let me not be a self-pitying grump nor a self-righteous crank when someone else chooses the Father!

I know that sounds odd, but the elder brother’s attitude isn’t so contrary to human nature.

Let me have a heart, just like the Father.

from Luke 15:27

A little bit more from Luke 15: The Inheritance of the Faithful

Reading: Luke 15:11-24

I am a son. Not by worthiness, but by birth.

I have not always behaved in a manner worthy of my father and his name, but that did not diminish the fact that I am his son.

In one of His parables of redemption, Jesus told about a son who recognized his unworthiness:

“And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants” (19).

When it comes to spiritual sonship, the concept of worthiness is extremely valid.

Jesus saved me despite my unworthiness. In fact, He saved me because of my unworthiness; otherwise, there was no hope for me.

The Father made me His son despite my unworthiness. But He requires that I live in a manner worthy of a son.

The Holy Spirit lives within me, giving me grace to live that worthy life that God wants.

Wow!!

from Luke 15:22

A little bit more from Luke 15: And Why Not?!