In Luke 15, Jesus gave three parables: the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son. Each parable tells the story of someone who either lost something or someone of value to them. When they found their missing item or person, they broke out into celebration and told everyone that their valued item or special someone had returned.
GOD’S OMNIPRESENT GIFT TO HUMANITY
We are just coming out of the Yuletide season, a time when we paused to give our Heavenly Father thanks for sending Jesus Christ, Who came to redeem His valuable jewels (His Father’s precious children) and be the best gift to the human race. Some people may have received gifts from Santa Claus (if they made the “nice” list and had a chimney), and for others who never received a gift, he probably never had their addresses, to begin with.
Thankfully, Christians don’t have to depend on Santa, who does not have worldwide coverage and does not know us individually. We have Jesus, Who knows where we are all the time and who we are.
JESUS IS STILL WAITING AND READY TO HELP US
In Luke 15: 20–24, we read that the Father saw his son (the prodigal son) from a long way off, and he ran to him, placed a robe on him, kissed him, and got the fatted calf that was being specially reserved for his return (in my opinion). The lost son was returning home after a wasteful life and after almost dying of hunger. He came to his senses when he had to lower his standards to eat pig food after his riches had faded (Luke 15:11–19). Just like the prodigal son, some of us may be out in the desert of life, and we want to go back home, but we feel embarrassed because when we were leaving, we cursed everyone and burned the bridges.
In Genesis 33, Esau and Jacob had a similar reunion when Jacob had to face his brother after stealing his birthright (Genesis 27). Jacob hid from his brother for many years, as he feared he would be killed by him, but Esau met him in love and forgiveness.
What happened between the prodigal son and his father, and between Esau and Jacob, is what Jesus requires of us, but we know that this restoration is sometimes easier said than done. When faced with situations like these, the best way to resolve them is to ask ourselves, “What would Jesus do?” He told us to forgive (Matthew 6:14; Matthew 18:21–22), turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39), and bless those who curse and persecute us (Matthew 5:44). I must say it takes “a lot of Jesus” to stand and listen to someone tell lies about you. When I get really angry, my ears begin to burn with the fire of rage, like a cartoon character, but then I stop and ask myself: is this worth losing my peace or missing heaven?
Nope!
I suggest we leave everything in our Heavenly Father’s capable hands (Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:19). Is it easy? Not at all. However, we have to ask God to change us, even if the person or situation does not change. You will become better.
How do I know this? Because you will be exhibiting the fruit of the spirit described in Galatians 5: 22-23, and if the aforementioned actions of others no longer bother you, you are maturing and growing to be exactly like Christ!
YOU ARE IMPORTANT!
The enemy wants you to feel that you are alone, that no one loves you, and that you aren’t needed. He will use your past mistakes against you to convince you that redemption is impossible. Don’t listen to him; he means you no good. He likes when you are down and confused because, when you are in that state, you can’t fulfill your God-given purpose. If you are feeling sad and lonely in this season, remember that Jesus came to earth to save you, and He is still waiting.
YOU MAY HAVE TO DIG ANOTHER WELL
If you are longing for home, my advice to you is to swallow your pride, get some building materials, and re-build the bridge you destroyed in your arrogance. Humble yourself, return like the prodigal son, and seek forgiveness. I know that when you return, there will be opposition from your own brethren, like the brother of the prodigal son in Luke 15:28–30, who refused to join the celebration. Sometimes you just have to find a new home, as the old one was what broke you down in the first place.
Whatever happens, remember your ultimate goal is to be with Jesus; your return to Him will be a Heavenly celebration. Let being in the care of Jesus be the best gift you receive in this new season.
Mellisha Carter-Linton is an Internal Auditor and a member of the Evangel Tabernacle Assembly of God, East Street, Old Harbour. A Christian for over 20 years, she is also the author of “From Bitterness to Betterness, Principles to Change Your Outlook on Life “. Mellisha enjoys writing, finds it therapeutic and believes that this is the talent God has given her to minister to His people.