A Sure Thing

“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 the son “devoured his wealth with harlots”, he came back in remorse wishing only to be hired by the father. But no! The father, welcomed him with a largesse of love and mercy, and easily forgave him. The father had been longing for his son’s return and celebrated when he did. 

How many of us would like a taste of the rich life just as the prodigal son did? Would we like to have a fairy godmother who will give us Tory Burch’s dressing room, Ralph Lauren’s cars, Larry Ellison’s 33 homes and an island? Would we want to sample the night life in New York or Paris or Monaco? Or would our choice be jetting around in a Gulfstream III, tasting wine and cheese en route to the carnival in Rio? It’s nice to dream, but believe this if you can. A study from the San Francisco Federal Reserve reveals that suicide risks are higher in higher income bracket neighborhoods, all other things being equal. This may be from trying to “keep up with the Joneses”. 

Candice Lam Yue-tung, a clinical psychologist, knows from treating her high profile patients who are celebrities, bank CEOS, or political heavy weights, that many are prone to depression, panic attacks, violent outbursts, insomnia and eating disorders. She thinks it is because of the constant media and public scrutiny. 

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. “I wish it never happened," another winner, William Post said. “It was totally a nightmare!" He won $16.2 million but after a year, he owed $1 million. 

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! ❤️