Wednesday February 3^rd 2021

Our scripture reference is taken from Luke 15: 11-30 which reads: Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.” So, he divided his property between them. “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So, he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.  “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!  I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants. So, he got up and went to his father.” “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. “But the father said to his servants, Quick, bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger, and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate! For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So, they began to celebrate. “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So, he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’  “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So, his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’

My friends, the Father in this story represents our Heavenly Father. And it shows how our Heavenly Father offers forgiveness to His children, every time they return home to Him. With that truth stated, I would like to address the younger sons among us. Our Heavenly Father is extending His mercy to all who have fallen short. His desire is that we would be restored to the family of God!

Now, to the older sons who have been faithful in their Christian walk for years. At times you may look down on your younger brothers who have fallen into sin and judge them in their struggles. My friends, judgment stems from a prideful spirit. 

The Pharisees were guilty of having the older brother type of mentality. And if you recall, Jesus referred to them as whitewashed tombs. That is why it is so important that we remember where we started from, as it is easy to see the flaws in others, while remaining blind to our own. 

I believe the Lord is asking us to leave the judging to Him, and to begin to pray for the younger sons who are struggling. Food for thought.

May the Lord bless and Keep you.

In Christ's love, Pastors Kim, and Bob

Please join us this Sunday @ 11 am at the House of Prayer for Praise, Worship and the Spoken Word.  

We will be following the health guidelines set forth by Governor DeWine.

Face coverings are mandatory at all church functions and temperature screening will be conducted at the door.