Text: Luke 15:25-32
Memory Verse: “But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore, his father came out and pleaded with him”(Luke 15:28).
The party organised for the lost son did not go down well with the older Tson who was visibly angry. He felt cheated and unappreciated for all he had done for his father all those years (Luke 15:29). There lies the display of the spirit of jealousy, pride and self- righteousness.
The father made him realise that as long as he remained with Him and was faithful, he had access to all things. As a genuine child of God, you do not need to become jealous or angry when people jubilate over a restored backslidden Christian. All that God has is yours, so when in need of anything, all you need do is place a request with Him and it would be granted.
The action of the older brother was unwarranted. One would have expected him to show concern, care and love for his younger brother, but the reverse was the case. This should not be your reaction as God’s own child. Ensure you join others to rejoice over a restored soul. In fact, when anyone you know backslides, do all you can to bring such a one back to faith (Galatians 6:1). If you find yourself in such a situation, make sure you do not:
a. get jealous over a repentant sinner, show him or her love.
b. continue to justify your wrong actions.
c. hinder a sinner from being blessed because of your attitude.
You need to realise that God is very much concerned about a lost soul, “but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, …” (Jude:23).
Prayer Points:
1. Father, may I not rebel against You.
2. God, empower me with Your grace to be able to put up with the faults of others.
