TWO UNCOMFORTABLE PARTY GOERS

 

Saturday, August 24, 2024

 

TWO UNCOMFORTABLE PARTY GOERS

Luke 15:20-25

20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.

22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:

23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:

24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.

 

          Both sons felt uncomfortable at the welcome home party. One because he felt unworthy and the other because he felt superior. One son had wasted while the other son had worked. One son received grace while the other son desired gratitude.

 

          The word “worthy” here is the Greek word axios and basically means “deserving.” The wild son knew that he had done nothing worthy of reward. He felt uncomfortable in the presence of grace. The merriment he witnessed seemed excessive.

 

          The word “serve” in verse 29 is the Greek douleuo and means “slave.” Interestingly, the younger son asked to be a slave while the elder son felt cheated out of his reward.

 

          Too many Christians grow up in a belief system that demands we work to earn God’s love while God stands ready with a robe and a kiss. They may acknowledge God’s grace for salvation, but they impose iron bands around their present and future behavior. They have never learned to forgive themselves.

 

Rom 4:7-8

7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.

8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

 

Dear Father of Grace and Mercy, let me both receive your forgiveness and forgive myself. Let my changed behavior be founded on love and not law. AMEN