The Basics with Beth

Ever felt like the older brother in the parable of the prodigal son? Meditate on the truth that already belongs to you: “All that the Father has is already yours.”

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. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!" "My son," the father said, "you are always with me, and everything I have is yours." Luke 15:29-31, NIV

Ever felt like the older brother in the parable of the prodigal son? You know—you’ve been the “good son.” You’ve faithfully served God, been responsible and loyal. You've used wisdom and discretion and honored your Father the best you've known how.

You haven’t been like the rebellious prodigal son spending money like water, sleeping around, partying with the peeps and living the high life. You’re a good boy! When your wild brother came to his senses and had this heartfelt, repentant meltdown—you were happy to see him come home, but you felt like the father went overboard with the party—gold ring, slippers, fatted calf, DJ, party and all. It seemed a little extreme; you thought your father should have given that kid a "talking to" and put him on probation for a while.

Of course, you tried to understand. Sure, your father was thrilled to have his son restored. After all, for a while your father thought he was dead. When he discovered that his son was alive, he was beside himself with joy and generosity. You get that, but felt a little bit like chopped liver...until…

Until, you heard what your father said to you. He almost seemed to say it in passing. He assumed you knew when he said, “Son, all that I have is yours.” What? Everything you have is and has already belonged to me? I could have had a ring? A robe? Sandals? A fatted calf? A DJ and party? All this time—I have been working so hard and being such a good boy—I could have partaken in the blessings?

I think many “good Christians” are in the category of the older brother. We rejoice to see all the prodigals come home and we celebrate, but there is a part of us that is a little miffed. “Sheesh...wish someone would throw me a party,” we think. “Maybe I should just backslide a little bit myself and then repent and see if my Father throws me a big 'ole partaay?”

If you are a “good Christian” you don’t have to backslide to experience the Father's blessings! You just need to meditate on the truth that already belongs to you. “All that the Father has is already yours.” Have you asked Him for anything lately? Have you received and partaken of the blessings that are already yours?

Notice the father didn't say, “All that I have is going to be yours, could be yours, might be yours or will be yours one day.” He said, “All that I have is yours.” It’s yours now…it has been yours and any time of day you can access it.

So, what does the Father mean? When He says “all”—He must mean all! What does the Father have? He has everything. He’s loaded. He’s got connections. He’s got stuff. If there is something you want, He’s got it and it’s already yours.

Today, all you “older brother, good Christians”—let’s receive all that belongs to us.

Father, today I thank You that all that You have already belongs to me. Instead of being jealous of Your blessings in other people’s lives, I am going to partake of all the things that You have so richly provided for me. Father, I need this ______________ (tell the Lord the specific things you need) and I thank You that Your provision and blessing in this area belongs to me. I receive it with a grateful heart. In Jesus’ Name. Amen."

Meditate on the truth that already belongs to you: “All that the Father has is already yours.”