What's so great about these parables that Jesus is telling...is that they offer us a glimpse into the the perspective that God sees us in. We get so wrapped up in our view-point, that we miss the overall picture. This is something that I'm really working on. The parable of the lost sheep is the perfect example. Of course there would be great celebration in heaven in a person that was completely off track, came back to the narrow path....of course. But, all we can think is "what about me". When we don't really fit into the equation for that person and their redemption at all. It all comes back to our selfish point of view. The older brother of the prodigal son is the perfect example of this
28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’
31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”
I find it very frustrating that I can understand this concept, and know that being selfish isn't the right was to think or act......and I still do it. But, I'm workin on it.
peace, out!
good take on seeing it from God's perspective. I can relate to what you are saying too, the parables make sense logically but there is an emotional side that I think is a natural reaction like the older son had that is easy to relate too. It might be difficult to change the emotions we feel in some situations but maybe understanding the parable can help keep behavior in check.
ReplyDeleteknut