Luke 15:17-24*
“That brought him to his senses. He said, ‘All those farmhands working for my father sit down to three meals a day, and here I am starving to death. I’m going back to my father. I’ll say to him, Father, I’ve sinned against God, I’ve sinned before you; I don’t deserve to be called your son. Take me on as a hired hand.’
His heart pounding, he ran out, embraced him, and kissed him. The son started his speech: ‘Father, I’ve sinned against God, I’ve sinned before you; I don’t deserve to be called your son ever again.’
We’re going to feast! We’re going to have a wonderful time! My son is here—given up for dead and now alive! Given up for lost and now found!’
What does this verse say to you? Does it make you want to comfortthe son or be angry that he left you and expects to be forgiven? Do you feel like the oldest brother who stayed with his father and did as he was told, working the farm and never asking to leave or spend his fatehers' money?
- Luke 15:29-32* (reflects on the other brother's point of view)
‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. 30But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ 31And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”
I, too, would be the one like Martha to want to make the house perfect for Jesus and also the oldest Brother who would wonder why his father was so forgivening and graceful towards his brother. We tend to judge others and fault them for their mistakes, yet what about the "plank in our own eyes?"
We are not perfect and God knows that as sinners we are prone to continue to repeat our mistakes and yet God forgives us. Take up your crosses and allow God to work in your life. You have purpose and meaning, God knows the plans he has for you. And if you stumble and fall, he is there to pick you up and forgive you, giving you rest, and freedom: a new life in Him!
As a Martha, not a Mary, I reflect on my past mistakes, strutinize my past and try to prepare my heart and house to be perfect for his return. But in all honesty, I am jeleous of my sister Mary and her free spirit and wellness. My sin eats away at my soul and my spirit is uneasy. I beg for forgiven, yet give it not to myself. I ask for others to not judge me, and yet I judge others as the Pharisees did. I wait for the day the Jesus returns and gives me his had as he welcomes me into the gates of Heaven and shows that loving smile of mercy and grace!
We must embrace our Heavenly Father and remind him of our love and devotion. We must opens arms to the one who saved us from our sins and show him the mercy and grace he has shown us. Prepare the way for Jesus and let others know they are forgiven! We are children of Christ, first forgiven by God and know as sinners who were freed by Jesus.
God bless, Kim Swiczkowski
Good Morning Girls bible study: Living Like Jesus
http://www.goodmorninggirls.org/2013/05/luke-15-jesus-searches-lost-sheep-gmg-mentor-leaders-program/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+GoodMorningGirls+%28Good+Morning+Girls%29&utm_content=Google+Feedfetcher
References used:
1. *{Peterson, Eugene H. (2006-06-15). The Message Remix 2.0: The Bible In contemporary Language (p. 1867). NAVPress - A. Kindle Edition.}
2. *Crossway Bibles (2011-02-09). The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (with Cross-References) (Kindle Locations 34799-34801). Good News Publishers/Crossway Books. Kindle Edition.
