Kwan Porter and I continue our conversation on identity by taking another look at a story about two sons and their loving father in Luke 15:11-32. Today Kwan and I look at the older son in the story. He chooses to stay home, but in his heart he is just as far from his father as his brother was.
In verse 25 it says the older son comes in from the field as the father and the household are celebrating the return of his brother. He dishonors his father and refuses to go into the house, as he is not willing to celebrate his brother’s return. Just like with the younger son, the father shows value to this son too. He also goes out to him and pleads with him.
However, the older brother felt he had earned his position and inheritance and begins to list all of the good things he has done. He feels he deserves better treatment. He distances himself from his brother, saying, “This son of yours.” And reminds his father of the bad things his brother has done, “has devoured your livelihood with harlots.”
No matter whether we have acted like the younger son or the older one, may we all have a fresh revelation of how much our Father loves us. I John 4:18 says, “There is no fear in love, because perfect love drives out fear.” May we be like Jesus, completely secure in the love of our Father.
Jesus knew the Father would never forsake Him as His Son. Yet Jesus became sin for you and me, and the wages of sin is death. This is part of the divine mystery. In this we see the full expression of Jesus and His humanity. As sin and the atonement for sin on the cross Jesus cries out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken Me? Jesus couldn’t bear being apart from Father God for even a moment, even though He agreed to be sin for us and take our place.
May we all realize that is why Jesus went to the cross, that we would never have to spend one moment away from God. Receive the truth today. You are loved. You belong to your heavenly Father. You are valuable. You are important.
My prayer is that the Holy Spirit will come and embrace you. You might be in a season where you can’t hold on any longer. All I can say is this, “He is holding on to you. He loves you and is for you. He believes in you.” I can testify to this. He is a good Father.
In Romans 8 the Holy Spirit cries out through us, “Daddy!” That is the direct translation of “Abba.” Cry out to the Father today. Cry out to Him every day!
