Montrose, Colorado

Rev. Willis A. (Bert) Jones, a country preacher

April 17, 2012

In the fifteenth chapter of Luke, Jesus talks about his compassionate attitude by telling three stories; a lost sheep, a lost coin, and a lost son. For the last few days I have been mediating about these stories, especially the rebellious-wayward-prodigal son.

This son "went to a far country." It seems as if he was saying to his father, "I wish you were dead!" Asking for his inheritance early was perfectly legal, yet it was in poor taste. He took his share of the estate and left early. He did what was "right in his own eyes." As did Israel in the days of the Judges (see Judges 17:6, 21:25).

When we are no longer meeting with fellow Christians each week, are we also going to "a far country?" Are we walking away from God? We may not wish to meet with a Local Church, but there are home fellowships, Bible study groups or other small groups that are available. Just don't run away from God.

However, if we have already broken fellowship with other Christians, it is not too late to find ones way back. In this story, the father welcomes his son back with a celebration. Warning! Another member of that group does not welcome his brother home. This one never left. He feels smug. He is proud and self assured. He is also very judgmental. If we are the ones who are still in the group of fellowship-ing Christians, we need to ask ourselves: "Are we welcoming the one who returns, or are we judgmental?"

A true Christian is a welcoming and is not a judgmental person. We are to show LOVE and acceptance (I Corinthians 13). Judgment should be, and will be rendered, but only by God the Father (Matt 7:1). God is good!