Becoming the people Jesus taught us to become.


10.30.2012

of pigpens and parties


In the pigpen, the Rebellious son came to his senses and devised a plan that would help him acquire some food. He would be a servant and work his way back into the household. Because of his father's costly demonstration of love, his plan went away and he repented of his sin. The servant became a son. The last time we see the rebellious son he is in his father's robe and going into a party.

His brother, the Religious son, had a different reaction to the father's love. When he refused to come to the party, his father demonstrated costly love for the second time in the same day. He humiliated himself by leaving the party to plead with this son to come in and join the celebration. The host would never think of insulting his guests by leaving the party. What did the father gain by this demonstration of love toward his religious son? Nothing. The last time we see the religious son he is screaming at his father accusing him of everything from showing favoritism to not obeying the Jewish laws. (If the rebellious son really hung out with prostitutes he deserved death and not a party.) 

 We all must answer this question: Am I rebellious or am I religious? If I am rebellious I am like the young son. I want whatever is new. I break the rules and Commandments. I disobey. I sin in the open. I use people. I am self centered. If I am religious, I am like the older son. I want what is traditional. I keep the rules and Commandments. I am obedient. I sin in secret. I judge people. I am self righteous. The truth is that both sons were using the father, just in different ways. Neither son loved the father. 

Here's the Good News. The same act of self-emptying love pays the penalty for those who are rebellious and for those who are religious. Jesus is a friend of all of us! He is the suffering servant who took our sin at the cross. We didn't deserve his love, grace, or forgiveness but He runs to us ready to take us in his arms, smother us in kisses, and welcome us into His family. When we respond in repentance, in heaven there is joy! Are you lost and ready to be found? I pray you respond to the costly love of the father.  

- Tim Ahlgrim

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