[The older brother] was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, “Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!” And he said to him, “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.” Luke 15:28-31
Dear heavenly Father, though I’d never boast about my “many years of serving you,” nor am I tempted to trust in my works for your favor, nevertheless, there are times when my ingratitude matches that of the older brother, recorded in these verses.
But I do my best repenting, not by beating myself up and groveling, but by preaching the gospel to my own heart, so here goes.
Father, you are constantly running to me in the gospel—inviting me, imploring me, pleading with me to get on the dance floor of your grace—to enjoy the music of reconciliation, to sing the songs of redemption, to make merry to the glory of God.
You are constantly saying to my grumbling, complaining, discontented, self-righteous face, “My son, you’re always with me because I’m always with you. Nothing will ever separate you from the everlasting love I have for you, and all my children. I greatly delight in you. I rejoice over you with singing. Everything I have is yours.”
“All your sins are forgiven, including your ingratitude. I’ve declared you to be righteous in my beloved Son. I’ve hidden your life in his. I’ve begun a good work in you and I will bring to completion. I’ve made you a co-heir with Jesus of the new heaven and new earth. You’re destined for an eternity of perfect relationships—perfect everything. Come, let us rejoice and be big-time glad.”
Oh how the gospel exposes and sabotages my whining, envy and sulking. Father, thank you for your never-ending patience and unlimited kindness. So very Amen I pray, in Jesus’ peerless and praiseworthy name.
