wrapping

the rings ... now, they all sit together on my ring finger.  i miss wrapping my feet around his waist as i laid on the couch and he sat on the end playing video games.

You have probably heard the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:1; 2: 11-32)?  He rejects his father, flees home with money and parties it all away... His father takes him back and rejoices, celebrating his return.  His older brother is furious that his father celebrates his return.  Have you ever taken a close look at the father, and applied his characteristics to our Heavenly Father?  Without even speaking, he was big, gracious, patient, compassionate, sacrificial, and affectionate.  He was also affirming.  The son that left was selfish, separated, and shortsighted.  The son that stayed at home was resentful, complaining, and judgmental.  Were they not both lost, even though only one was truly physically lost?  Both lost, they were also both offered incredible grace and forgiveness.  What can we learn from the three characters?

First we have the rebellious, younger son that left his home.  He was selfish - when we are selfish, we get cut off from grace.  He was separated - he chose to be 'lost' when he fled to a 'distant country' to be away from his father, away from anyone telling him what to do.  He was shortsighted - he didn't plan ahead, and his life became desperate when he ran out of his money.

Second, we have the 'religious,' older son, that was always with his father.  He was resentful - when we are resentful, grace, patience, and joy escape us.  He was complaining - when we complain, there is a war between true obedience and outward conformity.  He was judgmental - when we speak from a distance and enjoy the failure of others, which leads to gossip.

Both were dealing with sins - the first sins of the flesh, the second sins of the spirit.
Which son was more lost?

Finally, we have the main character, the father.  He was big in every way.  He was gracious - giving and giving even though his sons may squander what is given.  He was patient - always ready and waiting to offer his hand; however, will not pull his son out of a problem unless asked.  Are you wondering where God is in your life?  Have you asked Him for help?  He is not going to force you to follow Him - you need to come to Him.  He was also sacrificial (he ran through town, which exposed his legs - two things men did not do in those times), affectionate, and affirming.

We have two choices -
1.  Live at home with the Father - inviting Him to be with us all day...
2.  Live away in a 'distant land' - not thinking of God, attracted to sin, and living with no freedom, peace, or joy.

What do you choose?

Are you resentful and judgmental, needing to clean up your life?  Many of us are...


“For the Scriptures say, “‘As surely as I live,’ says the LORD, ‘every knee will bend to me, and every tongue will confess and give praise to God.’”” Romans 14:11