Older Son to His Father: “Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends…”
Father to His Older Clueless Son: “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.” (Luke 15:28–31)
Forbearing Father, I can’t imagine starting a prayer or conversation with you with the words, “Look… you never gave me…” And yet my cluelessness, forgetfulness, and ingratitude can be just as gross as the elder son’s in this beloved story. I may not address you with his language, but I can surely give you his attitude.
I don’t keep track of goats you haven’t given me or parties you haven’t thrown for me. But my ingratitude shows up in different ways—like when I easily dismiss, ignore, or don’t believe you are working in all things for my good. It’s not as tangible as goats I can count, but in outcomes I do count on—sometimes to the point of doubting your awareness, goodness, sovereignty. Forgive me, Abba.
But here’s what you say to me and my friends every day in the Gospel: “My children, you’re always with me because I am always with you. Nothing will ever separate you from my love, diminish my delight in you, or derail my plan for your life. Everything I have is yours: A forgiveness deeper than the ocean. The righteousness of my beloved Son, Jesus. I have made you my own inheritance, as well as and co-heirs with Jesus of the new heaven and new earth. I don’t explain everything to you now, because I want you to trust my heart when you can’t see my hand.”
Father, thank you—I know that is true, so keep beating down my ungratefulness with the love offensives of the Gospel. So Very Amen.