Reading: Luke 15:11-24

I am a son. Not by worthiness, but by birth.

I have not always behaved in a manner worthy of my father and his name, but that did not diminish the fact that I am his son.

In one of His parables of redemption, Jesus told about a son who recognized his unworthiness:

“And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants” (19).

When it comes to spiritual sonship, the concept of worthiness is extremely valid.

Jesus saved me despite my unworthiness. In fact, He saved me because of my unworthiness; otherwise, there was no hope for me.

The Father made me His son despite my unworthiness. But He requires that I live in a manner worthy of a son.

The Holy Spirit lives within me, giving me grace to live that worthy life that God wants.

Wow!!

from Luke 15:22

A little bit more from Luke 15: And Why Not?!

Reading: Luke 15:1-10

“And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them” (2).

How do I react to the scribes and Pharisees? If my heart response is contempt (because of how they were) or pride (because I’m not as they were) or self-satisfaction (because I think I don’t have either attitude), I don’t see how I’m better than they.

They looked down on certain people (publicans and sinners). Am I any different if I look down on certain people (Pharisees and scribes)?

Well, I don’t want to be like the Pharisees and scribes.

I do want to be one who draws near “to hear him” (1).

And I certainly want to be like This Man.

But which am I like, right now?

from Luke 15:10

A little bit more from Luke 15: There I’m Safe Again