Abidan stretched, looking toward the sun. It was setting, so he left the field and approached the house. He stopped, listening. That sounds like a party, he thought, waving over Baanah the servant. What’s going on tonight? Abidan asked. Your brother has returned! Baanah said. Your father has served the feasting calf to celebrate! Jabin’s back? Abidan’s tone was angry. Baanah nodded. Shall I get your father? Abidan only threw up his hands in frustration. When Abidan saw his father coming, he turned away. What do you want? I want you to join the party. Please come see your brother. It’s been thirteen months. I know. Abidan’s voice was strained. And I have been here. Working hard every day. Respecting you, always doing exactly what you’ve asked. I’ve given you everything, never once getting a goat to eat with my friends! Jabin runs off and wastes his inheritance. Upon his return, you restore him like he’s been a victim and I don’t even get told to leave the field early? Isn’t what I do enough to please you? The disobedient son gets all your love? My son, you are welcome to a goat and all I have! said his father. Abidan, you have not entrusted to me what I long for: your brokenness. You keep me at arm’s length all the time. You desire to be loved, but ââ¬Ëdoing enough’ cannot earn what you want. His father continued. Both my sons have been wrong in their perception of my love. One thought he could enjoy it by what he got from me, the other by what he could give to me. I celebrate Jabin’s return because he has come to discover what I will do with the truth about him, however ugly it might be. This is what I long for with you, Abidan. Will you come to the party, that I might celebrate the return of both my sons? • H. K. Rausch What was Jesus contrasting by His parable of the two brothers? Does Jesus want us to clean ourselves up before we come to Him (John 15:3-4)? Can our works, status, or what we don’t do sustain our relationship with Christ (Luke 18:9-14)? Jesus replied to them, It is not those who are healthy who need a doctor, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Luke 5:31-32 (CSB)
Read Verses:
Luke 15:11-31
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