The beloved physician Luke wrote how Jesus said, “A certain man had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me”, and after the younger son squandered everything, was destitute and feeding pigs, he returned to his home where his father began a celebration for his return. Jesus continued, “His elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. And he said unto him, Your brother is come; and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him safe and sound. And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and entreated him. And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve you, neither transgressed I at any time your commandment: and yet you never gave me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends”, and in chapter fifteen and verse thirty of his book Luke wrote how Jesus said the elder son complained, “you have killed for him the fatted calf” where we read:
But as soon as this your son was come, which has devoured your living with harlots,
you have killed for him the fatted calf.
The verse reads, “But as soon as this your son was come, which has devoured your living with harlots, ...” Luke began with the words, “but as soon as this your son was come” or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover at the very time that the father's younger son returned”, “which has devoured your living” which means “who had consumed, wasted and squandered the father's sustenance, resources,wealth and goods” “with harlots” or “with prostitutes or women who sell their bodies for sexual uses”. Luke shared how Jesus said the “elder son” referred to what his father did even after his “younger brother” “squandered” all his “sustenance and wealth”.
The verse goes on to say, “... you have killed for him the fatted calf.” Luke continued with the words, “you have killed for him” or “you, the elder son's father, have slaughtered and sacrificed” “the fatted calf” which means “the fattened grain fed bullock or heifer”. Luke shared how Jesus said the “elder son” referred to the way His “father” “sacrificed” the “fattened bullock” for his “younger brother”.
When we think through Luke's words in this verse, we learn more of the reason the “elder son” was so upset with his “father”. Even though the “younger son” wasted all his “inheritance” with “prostitutes”, his “father” provided a great “celebration” for his return. The “elder son”, though he did not waste his “inheritance”, had “sins” of his own that needed to be addressed. God knows the “sins and wrongs” of every person, and whether they are outward physical squandering of His resources or inward errors of “jealousy and envy”, He sent His Son Jesus to be the “Savior” of them all. Those who are wise will yield their lives to Jesus who alone is able to “forgive sins” and grant “everlasting life” to all who submit to Him.
Next time Luke shares how Jesus said the father said to the elder son, “Son, you are ever with me” so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book
“Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the
marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the
Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms
Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County"
in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com
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www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.
All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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