Today’s Encouragement is, “His father said to him, ‘Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours.’” Luke 15:31 NLT
Everything I Have Is Yours –
The story of the Prodigal Son is well known to most believers. It beautifully displays the grace and mercy of our Father for all those of us who have squandered our lives in sin and turned in repentance to God, asking for His forgiveness. He always provides!
However, the other brother, the eldest, the one who remained dutifully at home, is often overlooked. As the eldest, the custom was that he would receive a double portion in inheritance. The younger had already taken his portion, wasted it, and now… everything the father had, now belonged to this eldest son.
Notice that this elder son was petulant, resentful, and angry about the father’s mercy for the prodigal brother. He possibly doubted the sincerity of his brother’s repentance or resented the pain he had caused their father. Whatever the reasons, he didn’t approve, at all, of the lavish party, which the father provided to celebrate the return of his lost son.
However, both of these sons serve as examples of all believers; they were loved, accepted, forgiven, and embraced by their father. Just as Our Father God loves, accepts, forgives, and embraces us, whether we are prodigal and repentant, or loyal yet resentful. He still bestows everything He has on us!
Thank You, Father, for Your Mercy and Love for us. Whether we demonstrate either behavior, You still love and forgive us, because we are Yours.
Inheritance
Matt Maher
Today’s Encouragement 