Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 26

Scripture Reading: Luke 15:11-32

This parable is one of the favorites of the Christian community.  It is well-known even beyond church-goers.  

It is a scary proposition
to be lost!

The Prodigal Son is masterful because we can see our own behavior in both the younger and older sons.  Ideally, we should emulate the father, but that may not come as often.

I like the story Fred Craddock used to tell about this scripture.  He was preaching on it and afterward, a congregant was unhappy with the parable.  Fred asked, "What do you think should have happened to the prodigal?"  

The man matter-of-factly answered, "I think he should have been arrested!"

Fred was shocked at this answer but then had the awareness to ask, "What kind of sentence would you have given the prodigal?"

He said, "Six years."

This story about the story is a parable in itself.  It reminds us that we have trouble really processing grace in our lives.  Within the parable Jesus tells, the younger son is clearly in the wrong.  There's no debate about it and he would deserve the wrath of the father.

But then the older son is also shown in the wrong in how he doesn't defer to the father's wishes.  He treats his father disrespectfully and now he is the one in need of forgiveness.  He can't see his blessed status in remaining with the father throughout his life.

Is it possible that we have a blessed status that we aren't paying attention to?  If we were to realize this, would it take the edge off our resentment?  If we were to realize our favor by God, would we be able to let others off the hook more easily?

What do you think the older brother does in response to his father's statement in verses 31-32?

Prayer for the day:

Gracious God, you offer us new life continuously.  Sometimes we stray from life with you and we squander our blessing.  Sometimes we remain with you and we take for granted the life you offer us.  Regardless, we are thankful that you continue to remain in relationship with us.  Help this realization influence how we are in relationship with others.  In Christ's name we pray, Amen.

Photo by ella via Flickr.com.  Used under the Creative Commons license.