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PARABLE OF THE PRODIGAL SON – THE REAL PRODIGAL
TUESDAY, JUNE 23
Luke 15:11-32

Memory verse: Luke 15:29-30

 

“And he was angry,
and would not go in:

therefore came his father out…”

 

PARABLE OF THE PRODIGAL SON – THE REAL PRODIGAL
 
Religiosity is the bane of Christendom today. Many, like the scribes and Pharisees, believe that as they serve in church, teach and preach the Bible, baptise and take the Lord’s Supper, or possess a theological degree from a well-known and conservative Bible College or seminary, they must be born again! They are lying to themselves and living in delusion. Sin remains their master, and hell is their waiting destiny.
 
The symptoms of such a deluded heart are portrayed visibly in Luke 15:25-30. The elder son’s sinful behaviour speaks louder than words. Luke 15:25-30: “Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing. And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him. And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.” The elder son’s anger reveals his lack of love for his younger brother. His refusal to enter and celebrate with the family on his younger brother’s return reflects his unforgiving heart. The father had to go out to entreat him to rejoice that his brother had returned home. Instead, his reply revealed his jealousy and a bitter heart. He might not have left home and committed the sins of his younger brother, but his heart was far from his father. He served like a slave at home when he should have served as a son. His body was home, but his heart was far from home.
 
Because he was home, the elder son thought he had been a good son. As such, he would not repent. He did not leave home, so there was no need to return home. He served faithfully at home and felt that he had no sin and no reason to repent. How have you been serving the Lord? With your heart, or just your body, like the elder son?
 
THOUGHT: Am I really home?

PRAYER: Father, may I serve Thee faithfully.

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