The Father’s Party

Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer

October 2: Zechariah 13-14; Psalm 147; Luke 15

Scripture: Luke (NIV) 15:22 But the father said to his servants, “Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” So they began to celebrate.
25 Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 Your brother has come, he replied, and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound. 28 The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him.

Observation: The older brother’s attitude kept him from enjoying the party. He was right in his facts, but wrong in his heart. In his head he had all the reasons the younger brother’s return should not be celebrated. His heart could not see how good it was that the younger brother had returned. He did not understand that the party was really for the father, not the brother. The older brother was welcome to join the party, but his own attitude kept him out. How sad when people cannot participate in the party because of their own attitude.

Application: I can see times when my own attitude has kept from enjoying things that were available to me. I want to have the attitude of the father, not the attitude of the older brother. If the Father is rejoicing, I should be too! Who am I to throw cold water on His party?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I want to be like you. I want to look at things from your point of view. When you are rejoicing, I want to rejoice with you! Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!