August 16

“And he said to him, ‘My child, you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours. ‘But we had to be merry and rejoice, for this brother of yours was dead and has begun to live, and was lost and has been found.’ ” Luke 15:31,31.

The older brother in this story portrays the attitude of one who thinks that he deserves something from the Father. We often seek to admire ourselves, our performance in the church, or even try to take credit for what little humility we can muster. Yet, we are to seek the last place and give favor to all our brothers and sisters. May we all learn to give praise and thanks over anyone who finds the Lord—over all who were dead but now are alive in Christ.

Ever before me must be the vision of the loving Father reaching out to me. He has shared everything with me in Christ, and I can only look upon Him in wonder and praise. I was dead, but now I am found. Yes, I was the wayward son who squandered everything. I still have visions of Him running to me as I repented and accepted Jesus as my Savior.

Dear Father, let me have a thankful heart toward You. Help me rejoice in the success of others, in their newfound life with You, and in all of the favors that You bestow upon them. Let me not be like the elder brother who thinks that he has title to it all. I know that only Jesus has paid the price for our inheritance from the Father. In His name, Amen.
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