What's It All For - 1 of 3?

“Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.’ “But he was angry and would not go in. ... “And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.’” (Luke 15:25-28,31-32)

Jesus teaches in the "Prodigal Son" parable of a young son who receives from his father his inheritance, before his father dies, and goes on to blow it all.  When he comes to his senses, he returns home in the hopes that his father will allow him to work as a servant, but is surprised to be received by his father with opened arms of love and forgiveness, and restored to his former place of honor within the family.  Just as the oldest son, many of us sometimes get upset when we see someone, especially a wayward family member being treated with so much grace and mercy, after going out and making all kinds of bad choices they knew better than to make.  But God, just like this father in the parable, will always receive us with opened arms if we confess our sins and sincerely ask for His forgiveness: Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10)

In the following incident, a similar situation arose.  Martha was upset with her sister Mary for not helping her during one of Jesus visits, but instead Mary chose to sit at His feet and listen to Him speak: Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42)

The oldest son in the parable was upset that the father didn't chastise the youngest son when he returned home,  and Martha is upset that Jesus didn't chastise Mary for not helping her.  Just as the father in the parable didn't dwell on what the youngest son didn't do but instead was thankful for the change in his life, Jesus also doesn't dwell on what Mary isn't doing.  He wants Martha to realize that "doing" is good, but having a relationship with Him is the most important thing! And forgive us our debts,As we forgive our debtors. ... “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Matthew 6:12, 14-15) Today, let go and let God!