Introduction

Good morning, dear ones. I feel a certain warmth in my heart as I stand here today, an echo of the love that binds us all as children of God. We gather here not just as individuals, but as a collective, a family, united by our shared faith and by the grace that has been so generously bestowed upon us. Today, we turn our hearts and minds to the fifteenth chapter of the Gospel of Luke, verses twenty-five to thirty-two. This passage, dear friends, is a treasure trove of wisdom and insight. It's like a beautifully woven tapestry that tells a story of steadfastness, sacrifice, service, and salvation. A story that resonates with our own experiences, challenges, and triumphs as we navigate the winding path of faith.

Steadfastness of the Stayed Son

In this story, we meet an older son. He's the son who stayed. The son who was always there, always faithful, always obedient. He's the son who did everything right, who followed all the rules, who never strayed from the path. He's the son who, in many ways, represents us in our best moments, when we are living in obedience to God's commands and walking in His ways. But there's a twist in the story. The older son, despite his obedience and faithfulness, finds himself wrestling with feelings of resentment and bitterness. He's angry at his younger brother for squandering his inheritance and living a life of sin. He's angry at his father for welcoming his wayward brother back with open arms. He's angry at the world for not giving him what he thinks he deserves. This older son, dear friends, is a picture of steadfastness. He's steadfast in his obedience, steadfast in his service, steadfast in his commitment to his father. But he's also steadfast in his anger, steadfast in his resentment, steadfast in his sense of entitlement. Now, let's take a closer look at this older son. Let's see what his story can teach us about steadfastness.

Sacrifice and Service in Silence

The older son, despite his diligent service, failed to grasp his true identity as a 'huios', meaning son ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO