Lost and Found

“Let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found." Luke 15:23-24 

In Jesus' longest parable, the prodigal son asked his father for his inheritance. This was tantamount to telling his father, “I prefer that you die so I can have the money." The father sadly divided his estate and gave the son what he asked for. After a life of depravity and wantonness, all the money gone, the son goes back to the father, knowing his father's servants lived a better life than he did. The father was merciful and compassionate, and easily forgave him. The father had been longing for his son’s return and celebrated when he did. 

Isn’t it a good thing that God does not answer all our prayers with yes? Can you imagine how many people pray that they would win the lotto? The mother of Dionie Reyes kept praying that he would win the lotto and finally in April 2008, he did. He won 14 million pesos and after living the life of a millionaire for 3 months, he is now destitute and owes big sums of money. 

William Post III won $16.2 million but after a year owed half a million dollars. “I wish it never happened," he said. “It was totally a nightmare. Everybody dreams of winning money, but nobody realizes the nightmares that come out of the woodwork, or the problems," he reminisces with regret. His brother hired someone to kill him and his wife no.6 so that he would inherit the money. After thirteen years of living off welfare payments, William Post III died alone and penniless.

Like the prodigal son, a lot of people are under the illusion that having money would solve all their problems, and make them happy. Jim Carrey said, “I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that it's not the answer.” 

Instead of money, why don't we bet on a sure thing? The love of a merciful and compassionate Father! ❤️