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Sharing the juiceSunday, March 14, 2010
Luke 15:25-31 "The celebration began. The older son had been out in the field and, on his way back, as he neared the house, he heard the sound of music and dancing. He called one of the servants and asked what this might mean. The servant said to him, 'Your brother has returned and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.' "He became angry, and when he refused to enter the house, his father came out and pleaded with him. He said to his father in reply, 'Look, all these years I served you and not once did I disobey your orders; yet you never gave me even a young goat to feast on with my friends. But when your son returns who swallowed up your property with prostitutes, for him you slaughter the fattened calf.'
"His father said to him, 'My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours. But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.'"
The "older" son said he wanted a party with his friends, but it never happened. Why? What kept him from asking his father for his own party, his own young goat? He must have been surprised and angry when his father told him, "Everything I have is yours." Was he angry at himself as well? God asks me to be bold. Ask and you will receive. Use what I give you and you will get more. Don't be afraid; the Lord has seen fit to give you his Kingdom. This is the day that the Lord has made. (Like every day.) Rejoice and be glad. Dare to dance. The older son worked hard every day, but something went wrong with his work "ethic." He took himself so seriously and ended up resenting, not rejoicing. The joy of the Lord turned his stomach. He felt betrayed and disrespected by the one who loved him the most. And he couldn't enjoy the party. This isn't his father's problem. But I have a feeling that his dad will wait for him just as faithfully as he waited for his wild brother. Since I resemble them both at times, for that I'm grateful. Lord, I want to love life, therefore keep my tongue from evil and my lips from speaking lies. Let me taste and see that you are good, that you bless me when I take refuge in you. Deliver me from my fear; as I look at you, make my face radiant and free from shame. |
Just how good does great steak taste to a meat-lover? It doesn't depend on the cut as much as the company. It doesn't depend on how perfectly it's cooked; it depends on what you're celebrating. Who are you going to celebrate with when you get your census form on April 1? Or maybe there's something even more exciting in your future. O taste and see ...