Being Wasteful 10.27.08

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Today we are continuing our studies on the book of Luke, please read Chapters 14-16 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online. If the link does not work you can copy and paste this link to your browser:biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2014-16&version=9

Today we will read about humility; more parables; the prodigal son, the rich man and Lazarus; and eternal life with Abraham. Today's message focuses on the importance of choosing the right path and not being wasteful with the gifts that God has given us. God gives us the gift of free will to choose whether or not to follow Him, but in doing so we see so many more blessings than the world can offer.

Jesus speaks many parables in today's reading, each parable reveals a spiritual principle that is helpful to our welfare here on earth. It is of utmost importance that we pray about them and ask for the wisdom to understand them.

Jesus illustrates that there aretwo alternatives in life, to be self centered and only seeking what is best for us, or to be Christ centered and seek to put Him first, others second, and ourselves last. To illustrate this He spoke of two sons, "I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.And he said, A certain man had two sons:And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want." (Luke 15:10-14).

Then this prodigal son makes awisechoiceas he humbly goes before his father to ask for forgiveness and work. "And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants." (15:17-19). The word prodigal means a waster, the young man wasted his fathers substance, seekingto please only himself and the lusts of the world.

However, this man realized his mistake, repented anddiscovered that his father's love was far greater than anything the world had to offer.After he repented, his father made him aware of the seriousness of his former life as a sinner, but also rejoiced as he made the right decision to come back. "And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry." (15:21-24). Just as the son was forgiven so too will every repentant sinner andour Heavenly Father is waiting with great compassion to forgive all who come to Him.

Jesus also spoke of two men, a beggar named, Lazarus and a rich man who never recognized that he lead a prodical life, even though he had become very successful and wealthy he failed to bless those around him, only thinking of himself. "There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented." (16:19-25).Sadly because of this man's greedand preoccupation with success hefailedto use his resources for the glory of God anddiscovered that hell was eternal and that there was no way out once he got there.

Too many people waste the gifts that God has given them by using their talents for the world's enjoyment. The most important purpose of our brief life on earth is to prepare for an endless eternity, and then do what we can to provide spiritual food for others.All mankind, rich or poor, has one thing in common, physical death will open the door to either the joy of eternal life or the horrors of eternal hell.

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Because we are visually stimulated by that which surrounds us it is easy to become discouraged by what we see. Yet we choose to live by faith, not by sight.We want to rise above life’s visible circumstances to scenes invisible here on earth, but made known to us through Scripture.Regardless of our limited perspective or the personal cost we persevere in our trials and hardships so that we will gain an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. In Jesus' name....Amen.

Have a blessed day.
God Bless,
Christina

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