Last Sunday we saw that the self-centered nature of sin causes us to operate from a spirit of entitlement. The Prodigal Son wanted what he had coming to him, and he wanted it now. He does have the right to receive his portion of the inheritance. However, to ask for it before his father is even dead is a very selfish request. It revealed his disrespect for his father, his family, and even his faith. The younger son wanted to live life on his terms. That is the nature of sin.
As we continue in Luke 15, we will see that the younger son packs up all he has and hits the road. He eventually ends up in the "far country". It is believed to be a land occupied by Gentiles. Although life does not get better for him, nothing can stop him from his pursuit of independence. It may be that his self-centeredness drove him to the far country. However, it is his pride that keeps him from going home.
Pride & The Far Country
Communion Sunday
October 11, 2020 • Bill Williamson • Luke 15:13–16
Nov 22, 2020 - Co-Heirs with Christ
November 22, 2020 • Bill Williamson • Luke 15:31–32
As a child of God, you do not need to wait until eternity to receive and enjoy all that belongs to you as a "Co-heir with Christ" The blessings of God - the riches of Heaven - the peace of Christ. They are all available to you right now. As a member of God's family, all that belongs to God, also belongs to you. The celebration you are to experience is not reserved for Heaven. The early church went one step further. They lived with the truth that they had all things in common, able to give and receive from one another as part of the same family. At times one member receives, while another member gives. Then, at other times those who gave may be in need and others have the blessing to give. That is what it means to be in the Family of God. When one rejoices, we all rejoice. When one suffers, we all suffer. As we finish up the story of the Prodigal Son, we will see who we are as children of God, members of the family of God. We will see that we can celebrate what is ours in Christ, now and in eternity. Whether we choose to participate with the family of God is up to us. Just as it was for the older son.
Nov 15 - The Invitation
November 15, 2020 • Bill Williamson • Luke 15:25–30
As we move along in Luke 15, the focus of the parable turns to the other son, the oldest son, the one who stayed home. He is the one you might say was the "good son". But we know how the story ends. As the father welcomes and celebrate the return of the "lost son", the son who stayed home and did his chores, and was a dutiful and faithful son, is resentful. He doesn't like all the attention being given to his brother. Do you ever find yourself a bit offended when someone else gets what you think you deserve? Do you ever feel as though your hard work never gets rewarded? Do you find it hard to rejoice when someone else is rejoicing, when it should have been you being celebrated? My guess is that if we have a hard time identifying with the prodigal son, we may identify all too well with the older son.
The Invitation - Nov 15
November 15, 2020 • Bill Williamson • Luke 15:25–30
As we move along in Luke 15, the focus of the parable turns to the other son, the oldest son, the one who stayed home. He is the one you might say was the "good son". But we know how the story ends. As the father welcomes and celebrate the return of the "lost son", the son who stayed home and did his chores, and was a dutiful and faithful son, is resentful. He doesn't like all the attention being given to his brother. Do you ever find yourself a bit offended when someone else gets what you think you deserve? Do you ever feel as though your hard work never gets rewarded? Do you find it hard to rejoice when someone else is rejoicing, when it should have been you being celebrated? My guess is that if we have a hard time identifying with the prodigal son, we may identify all too well with the older son.