[Dailydevo] Daily Devotion Thursday March 30, 2006

[Barry Ludwig]

Daily Devotions Thursday  March 30, 2006

The Daily Devotions are this week are written by Pastor Barry Ludwig. During
the season of Lent, the theme of Zion's Wednesday services (5 & 7pm) is
based upon our congregational set of values. Those values flow from the
person and name of Jesus (Justice, Energy to witness, Spiritual maturity,
Understanding the radical nature of Grace, Service to those in need). This
week we explore the radical nature of Grace.

 

 Luke  15:11-32  The parable of the Prodigal Son

 

Thought

Some years ago in a phone conversation with my older brother, I was stunned
when he flatly stated that our parents loved me more than they loved him. I
had never imagined that might be true. In fact, since he was the jock and I
was the bookworm, I would have been tempted to think that our Father found
more companionship in him than in me.  While I do not think that what my
brother said, really reflects the reality of our childhood, it grieves me
that he has carried this in his heart all these years.

 

In the parable of the prodigal son, the oldest brother, was obedient to his
father and did what was required of his role in the family. In human terms
he was rightly angry when his father eagerly received the wayward brother
back into the family. He was indignant that his father did not even lay down
any punishment or requirements for re-entry.  This is the way we are. We
demand our pound of flesh from those who err (although we are not likely to
expect it of ourselves in our own sin). God is simply not like us. The grace
of God is not bounded by personal jealousy or pride. How thankful we should
be for that grace has been extended to you and me.

 

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