The present lockdown due to the coronavirus crisis is a blessing in disguise because it affords us the time to reflect on, and amend our ways in our walk with God as believers. There is always an advantage in every adversity. Turning to God in true repentance during crisis is not all about prayer and fasting, but self-examination in the light of scriptures and making the necessary spiritual adjustments that will culminate in all-round advancement in our lives (Joel 2:12-25).
Our Anchor scripture is in Luke 15:11-32: The Parable of the Prodigal Son.
The story of the prodigal son is a well-known story, but the focus has been on the prodigal son who wasted his father’s resources and later depended on his father’s mercy and compassion to enjoy restoration. The elder brother has never been discussed or analysed. Both the elder brother and the prodigal son represent the entire body of believers today in the Church. The father in that story represents God Himself while the father’s house represents God’s Kingdom. The far country represents the State of backsliding (returning back to the World or Egypt). In the next few days, we shall be examining the life of the elder brother, to draw lessons that will help us in our walk with God as Christians.
Lesson 1 : Luke 15:11-14
The prodigal son, to some extent, must have had close interactions with his elder brother. It is very possible that he may have confided in the elder brother about his plans to take his share of the inheritance to a far Country (vs 13). If he did not confide in the elder brother, the elder brother must have seen him packing his things and making plans to leave the house.
Many believers in the Church today are like the elder brother; they see their fellow brother making wrong decisions or taking wrong steps and would neither give appropriate counsels nor dissuade him nor bring it to the attention of the Church authority. Rather such believers would sit back, watch and wait for the brother’s downfall and make it a topic of discussion!
When your brother is taking a wrong step, as a Christian, do not sit and watch. Today, try and be your brother’s keeper and be concerned about his/her life. Help others to take the right decisions, help them tread the right path and leave the path of evil.
It is a blessed day, Shalom!
