“Because this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found! And they began to revel and feast and make merry.” Lk.15: 24.
Ecstatic joy … impossible to contain! My son is home! We have to celebrate … Let’s party! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! My son was lost, but now he’s found, let everybody know and invite them to share my joy at the Celebration Party tonight. Make the preparations, spare nothing … the occasion demands the best. Yes, by all means take the fattened prime yearling, how befitting. My son is home … Thank you God, thank you!
A total uninhibited release of joyous love after all the previous years of forlorn emptiness. How the father celebrated, danced and sang with his whole being in thanks to God. My son, my son … my son is home! Thank you God! His face glistened in the firelight from the ecstatic tears of joy; his smile was from ear to ear … My son is home!
If the devil can’t complete his devastation, theft and murder in one direction against you, he simply circles and tries another. One of his favorites; if he can’t beat you; he’ll join you! Samson, Delilah, Jesus, Judas. (Judges 16:4-6,18; Lk.22: 3-6)
The fresh attack will come from within your closest friends and family. Fact; when God wants to bless you, He’ll often put a person in your life to implement it through (Lk.6: 38). On the other hand if the devil is trying to shake you to your foundations, he’ll send a person into your life. (Esther, Mordecai, Haman. –Esther 3:5,6).
The son has returned home where he is celebrated. Surrounded in love and joy fully restored to his position, all his defenses down and feeling secure. Then, out of nowhere, his elder brother furiously lashes out with contemptible disdain, without any consideration or respect whatsoever for his father. Just his selfish, driven hatred of his brother and his return and restoration … “it would be better if he was dead. He should never have come back, the loser!!”
Will the Prodigal take the offense to heart and lose all he has just gained, by running again or will he be patient and forgiving with his brother. You never know what’s behind you … You’ve lived your past.
To have a better tomorrow demands the right decisions today.
I pray God strengthens you against taking offense and setting yourself back years in Jesus’ Name! Father, grant your discerning ability to direct and establish good relationships in Jesus’ Name! Amen.
Blessed are those who overcome!
Pastor Paul
