Bible Reading:
Luke 15:25-32
25Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.
26And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.
27And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.
28And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.
29And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:
30But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.
31And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
32It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
Devotional:
Jesus told this story because the scribes and Pharisees had been critical of his friendliness with 'sinners' (15:2). They should have seen in it a portrayal of themselves as the older brother, resentful because the heavenly Father welcomed back the younger son who had been a prodigal.
The main thrust of this story is in this section, which often does not receive as much attention as it warrants. There should have been rejoicing in the heart of the older brother when his younger brother repentantly rejoined the family circle. The scribes and Pharisees should have been glad, as are the angels in heaven when a sinner repents. The Jews should have been glad when the gospel message was drawing Gentiles into the family of God. We conservative Christians should be glad to welcome 'sinners' and persons of different skin color, features, manners and habits into our fellowship in the house of God.
In the context of the home, each member should be able to forgive and forget when one member confesses his past sins and wants to take up his place in the home again.
Notice that the father pleaded with the older brother to join in the welcome. As the older brother pouted and felt sorry for himself the father reminded him that through the years he had received favors and enjoyed the security of the home.
Jealousy, resentment, rivalry—our homes are marred by them. But they should not keep us from expressing our joy at the salvation of one member! 'This thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found' (15:32). Unfeigned, spontaneous joy at the repentance of a prodigal is indeed a testimony to the validity of the Christian experience!
We are happy to have obtained permission to post as our current daily devotional Heirs Together of Life: Daily Bible Reading for Husbands and Wives, published by The Banner of Truth Trust. Don't be misled by the subtitle. As the book's "Preface" indicates (see below), although Heirs Together of Life is "especially prepared for couples,"the authors declare, "Since the basis for this guide is God's Word, we believe it would have value for any reader."
Charles and Norma Ellis are husband and wife and the authors not only of Heirs Together of Life (which was first published in 1980 and continues in print today), but also of Wells of Salvation (first published in 1985, and likewise still in print today). The latter contains a series of short studies covering the entire book of Isaiah, while the former contains a series of almost 200 short studies covering the entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. Both books by the Ellises can be ordered from the publisher, The Banner of Truth Trust. We trust that these daily Bible readings, posted daily on our site, will be helpful to you in your Christian walk before God. Whether married or not, all of us are members of families and members of the family of God.
Charles Ellis was educated at Wheaton College and Westminster Theological Seminary. Upon graduation from Westminster (where he earned not only a Th.B. but also a Th.M.), he was ordained to the ministry in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church and pastored a number of OPC churches, including Immanuel OPC in West Collingswood, New Jersey; First OPC in Cincinnati, Ohio; Covenant OPC in East Orange, New Jersey; Knox OPC in Silver Spring, Maryland; and Lakeview OPC in Rockport, Maine. Less biographical information is available about his wife, but it is known that they served as parents of seven children. After retiring from the ministry, Charles Ellis went to be with the Lord in 2003, but he and his wife left us with a beautiful legacy in the two books they have given to the world, and we are proud to share the daily Bible readings from Heirs Together of Life here with you.
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