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Saturday, September 04, 2004
The first week of the study is coming to a close. We've seen how we're supposed to be living an abundant life. That's why Christ said He came.
Then we saw how the abundant life begins by making a choice of sorts...to believe the "lies" of the "world" or to live with Christ. Any other choice is settling for something less than that abundant life.
Finally, we've been getting ready for the next week of the study on "Head to Heart" by looking at Luke 15. We've seen how a cold-hearted son chose the polar opposite of the abundant life, and humbled himself in order to come back home. He was surprised by the reality that, even though he couldn't have insulted his father any worse, his father welcomed him home. The "dead" son could now "live."
Today, I wanted to focus on what those who have lived in the house see the "dead" "living."
If you notice in verses 28-30, you'll see the older brother was living in abundance the entire time. He served his father. He never gave his father any trouble. He worked in the field all day. He didn't come to the party when he found out why it was being thrown.
Sometimes, I think those that have been living in the house the entire time lose sight of God's grace when the "prodigals" come home. Sometimes that passion for the abundant life gets lost when we are so close to it all the time.
Those prayer requests that get answered...well, sometimes we "ho-hum" those. Those little moments of spiritual growth we see in somebody who has been struggling spiritually...well, sometimes we wonder why they aren't further along. Those times when we could encourage others in their walk...well, sometimes we can be awfully judgmental. Those times when we could model an abundant life through worship...well, sometimes we bicker about worship styles or song choices or whether or not we should allow coffee in the auditorium.
The bottom line for the week: There's an abundant life available to all of us. A lifestyle of celebration based on a true relationship with the Father. Because He is gracious enough to accept us back when choose to come home after living in Meshech and Kedar, and the lavish us with that grace.
Closing mind vitamin and journal prompt: Are we living that abundant life? If yes, what are the ways you see God lavishing His grace on you? If no, analyze why it is that you're settling, and what it would take for you to walk back to the father's home.
Brent 7:02 AM
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