The Prodigal Son

How many times have you heard a sermon on the Prodigal Son? If you have been in church for very long you have probably heard more than you could count. How much have you ever thought the older son. I have been blessed to hear one or two sermons on how the lessons for the older son. Yet, I have never heard anyone consider the relationship between the two brothers past their father's death. How do you think they got along?

Here are somethings to consider. First, when the estate was divided each brother received their portion. Each was given control over a part of the wealth. The older brother seems to have allowed his father to retain control. Did he have to though? Could he have given it all away? Whose fatted calf was it to kill? In Luke 15:31 the father says that what is his is also his son's. Was it the father's or the son's or both?

Second, the older son would have all of the family's wealth. This would mean that the younger brother would be dependent on his older brother (barring making his own riches). what kind of relationship do you think that they had? Did it get better? When? At that first feast? At their father's death?

Let me know what you think.

The Story of Abraham

If you have never had the opportunity to read or hear about the account of the Patriarch Abraham’s (Genesis 12-25) life then I would encourage you to do so. His life story teaches to very important concepts about God and our life with God.

First, we are called to complete the task started by those who have come before us. In Genesis 11:31 we read that Abraham’s father began the process of moving his entire family from Ur to Canaan. Unfortunately for them they never made it. However, God, in Genesis 12:1-3, tells Abraham to leave his father’s house go to the land of Canaan. Abraham completed the journey his father had started. What are some journeys that you know others have started but have not completed? How can you completed those for them?

Second, ones faith will be tested. God promised Abraham that He would make "him into a great nation” (Genesis 12:2 NIV). Furthermore, God specifically told Abraham that it would be through his son Isaac that this nation would be born (See Genesis 21:12). Before this promised had come to fruition God told Abraham to take his son to Mountains of Moriah and offering him as burnt offering. In essence, God was telling Abraham to go and kill your son. Despite this contradiction Abraham did what God was told. In the end God stops Abraham from killing Isaac and provides a lamb for the burnt offering. God was testing Abraham’s faith. In the end God fulfilled His promise to Abraham.

God will always fulfill His promises His way. His way is not always our way and we may not always understand His ways but we must trust in the fact that God is the creator and ruler of this world and He knows what He is doing. So how do we know what promises (future) God has for us? First, we must be a right relationship with Him. This starts with accepting His son as our savior and Lord. To this one must recognize your sin, ask God’s forgiveness for those sins and then allow Him to be the Lord of your life. Once, this right relationship is established the Bible teaches us that when we call out to God He will answer and teach us what we need to know (Jeremiah 33:3). Are in a right relationship with God? If not, why not? If yes, then are you faithfully headed towards the future God wants for you? If not, why not?

Life's Journey

When you were a child were did you want to go? Did you want to stay at home? Did you ever leave your home?

I know for me when I was a child dreamed of traveling the world. My dad was always telling me about his adventures in Western Europe in 1960's. I always believed he and I would get a chance to do that together. Sadly, we never did. He died before we had the opportunity. Ironically, I was given the opportunity to visit Germany less than 2 months after he died. This trip though was only a small part of the grand journey God has brought me on.

He has allowed me the priviledge of visiting Europe (3 times), Australia, the Bahamas, and many States. When I look back I am amazed at how much traveling I have done. Yet, I know my travels are not finished. God has many more places for me to go. Most recently, God has moved my family from Texas to Illinois.

It has truly been a grand adventure. There have been so many ups and downs. Yet, in the end I cannot help but look back and see how truly blessed I have been. And the best part of it all is that I still feel like it is just getting started. I look forward to the days and weeks to come because I know God has some wonderful things in store for me and my family. Yes, persecution will come. God's deliverance through the persecution will also come. Praise be to Him who is on high.