Last week we attended the final concert of the school’s brass band. Our middle child is the junior student conductor and had the honor of conducting the band in a song. Like both of his parents he was quite a showman, not only directing, but dancing and joking as he did so. As parents we were quite proud of what he has accomplished and we were glad to be there and be part of the celebration.
Our daughter was also part of the presentation, performing with the flag group that works with the band. We were proud of what she had accomplished also.
Our celebration of what our son had done should not have in any way diminished what we felt for our daughter. It should not in any way diminish what we feel for our oldest son who has had his own set of successes in life. The celebration of one good thing does not take away from the joys that other situations and accomplishments bring.
Today’s passage is just a small piece of the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). Most people are familiar with the story. The younger son of a rich man takes his share of the inheritance and squanders it in frivolous living. Poor and struggling, he decides to return to his father and hope for a kind welcome.
What type of response does the older son hear? Why is there a celebration?
The younger son wanted and expected little more than fairness and mercy when he came back, but instead he got more than the kindness he hoped for. He is celebrated. His return is cause for a feast. But this response angers the older brother who stayed with the father.
The parable is a message to all of us. God delights in our return to His good graces and to His kingdom. God does not want any of us to be wandering hopelessly in the world. He welcomes all who will return from a life of sin to a life of goodness.
But those who consider themselves righteous and devout believers can often feel that they are being neglected because God has set His eyes on the lost. As believers we need to join in the celebration. God does not love the wayward soul more than the obedient believer, and celebrating the return of a sinner does not diminish the good we have done.
As we celebrate the goodness God has given us in our lives, let us be willing to celebrate also the goodness that is given to others as well. Let us invite all to be part of the gladness God gives.
DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you share your celebration of God’s goodness?
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