Jesus is Essential
Luke 15:25–32: “Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.’ “But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him. So he answered and said to his father, ‘Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends. But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.’ “And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.’ ”
The older brother was angry thinking he had a relationship with his father because of his work. He served his father not out of love but out of a desire for reward. He should have rejoiced with the father in his brother’s return. The religious leaders’ were the recipients and guardians of the covenants and the Law. They should rejoice that others were joining them and would be a part of the kingdom. 1
Walking with Jesus
Anger destroys relationships. Is your anger really towards God, because of the “unfair” circumstances that He has allowed to happen? Do you direct that anger towards others?
Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. Ephesians 4:29
When we misunderstand God, it is our misunderstanding, not His.
Praying
Lord, forgive me for questioning Your wisdom and Your love for all people.
1. Walvoord, John F., & Zuck, R. B., Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary.
