Michael talked about the story of the Prodigal Son this week at Oak Leaf.  It has been one of my favorite stories this past year because of my eyes being opened up to the internal meanings earlier this year by Tim Keller.

Basically we learned that the story was not just about those that rebel against God but about those who are lost, as well, because of their religion.  Look at the older brother.  He was ticked off and wouldn’t come in to celebrate the return of his brother.  Why? Because it was technically his inheritance being spent and he had been obedient while the other one strayed.  It was the, “What about me?” attitude coming out.

Jesus was talking to the Pharisees (law keepers that were prideful in how they lived) and how they were just as lost as the younger brother.  This is the lesson for us – Let’s not get lost in our religion.  Here’s what that means.

  • If you are a Christian, doing good deeds is not about getting love from God but about showing love to God.

The oldest brother obeyed and stayed home to get from the father.  The older brother only loved the father as long as he could get something from Him.  Are you trying to get something from God with good behavior?

Maybe a new job?  A restored relationship?  More money?  To be made prosperous? Why do you listen to God?

  • True Christianity promotes caring for others and sharing your inheritance.

A Christian should not be upset when the lost come to God.  Even when they seem to be blessed above you. Now that’s hard but true.  I wonder how many of us live in resentment when we see people who do less ‘good’ than us, get things we want.  If that is your feeling then there is your warning sign that something is up.

What’s that tell you?  That you might have been living under some messed up theology.  Christianity is not about saving yourself through works Ephesians 2:9. Or even God saving you because of your ‘good’ works Titus 3:5. (You can use the You Version link in the side to look up the references if you want)

God saved us when we were still sinners, therefore your works have nothing to do with it.  So, religion that promotes this gets in our way to have a relationship with Jehovah (Father) God.

So if you get upset when others get blessed then you probably have not grasped that yet.  In the words of Tim Keller, “You might have let Jesus be your Lord, or your boss, but you have not let him be your savior yet.”  You are still trying to do that yourself…