January 15, 2016:  SOAP #2234:  

Scripture:  Luke (NIV) 15:28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ 31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

Observation:  It is easy to see what the younger son (the prodigal son) had given up in order to travel the world.  He wasted his inheritance and the fellowship he could have had at home.  The older son, though staying at home, had missed out on some things also.  He missed out on enjoying what was his.  More than that, he missed out on getting to know the heart of his father.  He did not know how much the Father loved the wayward child.  And he did not appreciate what was available to him.

Application:   At times I feel our Heavenly Father has to go outside the celebration to draw us “older brothers” who have been in the church for years into the celebration.  We may not like the style of the celebration and withdraw.  But our wonderfully loving Heavenly Father comes to draw us back.  He wants me to participate in the celebration.
Prayer:   Heavenly Father, forgive me for overlooking what I have.  All you have is mine!  Your heart is open to me.  May I not miss the special fellowship we can share.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!