[The older brother] was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered 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. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!” And he said to him, “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.” Luke 15:28–31
Forbearing Father, though I’d never boast about my many years of serving you and I’d never even think of boasting in my record of obedience to your commands, nevertheless, I have to admit there are times when my ingratitude matches that of the older brother. This has become obvious and odious to me, and I want to repent before it gets any worse. I know my “best” repenting comes, not by self-contemptuous groveling, but by preaching the gospel of your grace to my needy heart, so here goes.
Father, of all people, what do I have to pout about? You are constantly running to me in the gospel—inviting me, imploring me, pleading with me to get on the dance floor of your grace; to enjoy the music of reconciliation; to sing the songs of redemption; to make merry to the glory of God. You are constantly saying to my grumbling, complaining, discontented, self-righteous face,
“My son, you’re always with me because I’m always with you. Nothing will ever separate you from the everlasting love I have for you and all my children. I greatly delight in you. I rejoice over you with singing.
Everything I have is yours. All your sins are forgiven, including your gross ingratitude. I’ve declared you to be righteous in my beloved Son. I’ve hidden your life in his. I’ve begun a good work in you that I will bring to completion. I’ve made you a co-heir of the new heaven and new earth. You are destined for an eternity of perfect relationships—perfect everything. Come, let us rejoice and be glad.”
Father, I do repent, right now—but don’t relent, don’t let up. Keep beating down my ungratefulness with love offensives of the gospel. Expel all my carping, complaining and whining by the unsearchable riches of Christ. I pray in Jesus’ peerless and praiseworthy name. Amen.
S
