Blessing In HIS Household!

In the fifteenth chapter of Luke we find three parables dealing with the rejoicing over finding that which was lost; the sheep, the coin, and the son. These three should provide encouragement in approaching God with a penitent spirit. Seeking and saving the lost was a purpose Jesus emphasized in connection with His coming to earth. ( Luke 19:10) Heaven rejoices over each individual soul brought back into a right relationship with God.

Perhaps of these three parables, it is the one dealing with the lost son that provides the most number of lessons and especially a focus on varying attitudes. We can learn much from the choices of the lost son and his struggle in deciding to return home. We also gain some needed lessons when we note the attitude of the brother who never left. Then we are greatly encouraged by the eager longing of God for the return of His children as represented by the father in the parable.

Having studied and even preached a whole series of lessons from this one parable I thought I had been struck by all the lessons that could be drawn from it. However, yesterday as I was reading it again, I was struck by another powerfully encouraging thought. Toward the end of the parable is a wonderful statement that ought to encourage us to never desire to leave the presence of the Heavenly Father. As the father in the parable tried to encourage his son to rejoice with him over the return of his brother we read. . .

"(31) And he said to him, 'Son, YOU ARE ALWAYS WITH ME, and ALL THAT IS MINE IS YOURS. (32) It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.'" ( Luke 15:31-32 ESV)

Yes, I had read the words of the father here many times before. However, as I read them this time I began to consider how in a very real sense GOD WANTS TO SHARE ALL HIS GOOD THINGS WITH US. He began by creating us in His Image. ( Genesis 1:27) He wants us to share in His essence; to be holy as He is holy. ( Leviticus 11:44; 1 Peter 1:15-16) It is He Who gives "Every good gift and every perfect gift ... from above." ( James 1:17) He encourages us to ask so that we can receive ( Luke 11:9) and to share with others so that we can receive even more abundance poured into our lap. ( Luke 6:38) Why would we ever be tempted to look for blessings elsewhere?

"YOU ARE ALWAYS WITH ME, AND ALL THAT IS MINE IS YOURS!" Oh, what a Gracious Father and Awesome God we have! May we seek to remain faithful in our relationship with God as we join Him and the host of Heaven in rejoicing over each soul who returns home.

Have a great day APPRECIATING ALL THE GOOD THINGS GOD PROVIDES!
Carl

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