Rejoice for the Returned!

A party is brewing in the house. The prodigal son has just returned and happiness is all around.

There’s BBQ beef on the grill and cheerful, happy music in the background with dancing -a little Hebrew shuffling!  (Luke15:23-25)

Just as Christ has promised us, he brought back the lost sheep, leaving the 99 for a while -trusting us to stay put. (Luke15:4)

Now, our lost brother/sister has been restored into the kingdom of Christ, having come to their senses realizing that Christ is the ONLY WAY.

But wait! Why do they get a party?

We’ve been here this whole time serving Christ, never forsaking His commandments; and look -where’s my party!?

Some might say that the prodigal’s brother was right to feel that way, after all -he had been loyal (in deeds, but not in heart), some of us might have been found guilty of feeling this way about a returned brother/sister -but this behavior is NOT of Christ.

It’s easy to look at others sin and criticize, but do we ever stop to look at ourselves? Instead of snickering at the sins or past sins of our family “in Christ,” we should think about the impact we can make in their lives by our faithfulness to Christ, rejoicing at their return and helping them to reach their full potential.

When the brother complained to his Father about not being “celebrated” for his “faithfulness,” he conveyed ungodly characteristics towards the Father:

JEALOUS ANGER: “But he was angry,” and said to his father, “Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you, never disobeying your orders,” where’s my party and BBQ beef?

RESENTMENT and REJECTION: He accused his Father of not finding him worthy to be celebrated. (Luke15:28-29)

UNFORGIVNESS and DISRESPECT for his brother. This kind of self-righteous behavior in the house of God, can turn the weak in the faith away.

We’re never supposed to find ourselves in a place where the love of God is not shown because we think we’re better.

Nor are we to be jealous when a brother/sister returns to the faith, and it “seems” like they get all the blessings, as if the windows of heaven have just opened up and poured out upon them and not us.

Never mistreat your family in Christ, rejoice with them, celebrate their return -its Christ will.

The Father told his son, “You are always with me, and ALL that I have IS YOURS.” (Luke15:31-32)

“And if we are children, then we are heirs of God and joint heirs of Christ” …Christ has promised us eternal life and a place to live in His kingdom… “And if you believe, you WILL receive whatever you ASK in prayer.” (Romans8:17, John14:2, Matthew21:22)

 “We had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother(sister) of yours was dead and is alive again; lost and is found.” (Luke15:32)

Christ is not willing that any person should perish, He waits; he loves us all and wants EVERYONE to COME to REPENTENCE.

He is willing to leave the 99 to come after us, its “not the healthy who need a Dr. but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” We who are in Christ are the righteousness of God, already belonging to Him. (2Peter3:9, Mark2:17)

The great “falling away” is upon us, but lets prepare our hearts for a New Harvest! Many people have and will come to Christ in all this madness, are you ready?

Oh Father, “restore to me again the joy of Your salvation, and make me willing to OBEY You.” (Ps51:12)

The Worldwide pandemic is not by coincidence, and you can be assured that many other things will occur before Christ returns for His children.

Have you accepted him as your Lord and Savior today? As longs as you have life in you, it’s not too late, but the time is well spent, don’t wait!

If you are ready, say this starting prayer: confess it with your mouth and believe it with your heart.

Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner. I believe You died for my sins and rose to give me life. Right now Lord, I turn from my sins opening my heart and life for You to come in. I receive You as my Lord and Savior. Thank You for saving me. In Jesus name, Amen. (Romans 10:9)

Now, if at all possible, get to your nearest Bible preaching (or online) church and receive the support you need.

Did you receive salvation today? Let us know in the comments below, we are here to encourage and pray with you!

Blessed by this Word, why not share it!