Luke 15:11-32
The Parable of the Lost Son
11 Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.
13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.
25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’
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 felt like I am the Prodigal son who was lost and is found. I have been a Christian since 1999 and was baptized in 2004. However I was never a staunch Christian. I did go to church every Sunday but didn't really feel a sense of belonging. I felt it was my responsibility to go because I am a Christian, not because I felt GOD's presence and enjoyed going. Soon, I became a 'part-time' Christian; meaning I did not attend service every Sunday. Very soon, I stopped attending church completely.
During these 'non attending church' period, I admit I was suffering. No support...spiritually. However not once God ever leave me. HE does answered my prayers though not all. When HE did not answer my prayer, it means it is not for me according to HIS plan.
I was sort of searching for my 'correct' church during these years. I went to other churches as well but I still did not feel a sense of belonging. To be honest, I did not know what I was searching for. Maybe I just want to feel a sense of belonging?
I managed to find a church that is very near my house, less than 10 minutes walk. However the teaching is about Book of Mormon which I do not agree with their teaching. On the day itself, I suddenly had a thought of texting my pastor from previous church. I knew she might not be in town as she is very active in Cambodia work. To my surprise, she replied. She was back on that afternoon. I think it is GOD's indication. Thing just come so smoothly.
I returned back to the church on the following Sunday. The feeling was like returning home after away for many years. This time, by GOD's grace, my hubby followed me. Though he went clubbing till 6.30am, he still went to church with me at 11am and was paying attention to the service throughout.
Prayfully he will go to church with me every Sunday. GOD is indeed great :)
During these 'non attending church' period, I admit I was suffering. No support...spiritually. However not once God ever leave me. HE does answered my prayers though not all. When HE did not answer my prayer, it means it is not for me according to HIS plan.
I was sort of searching for my 'correct' church during these years. I went to other churches as well but I still did not feel a sense of belonging. To be honest, I did not know what I was searching for. Maybe I just want to feel a sense of belonging?
I managed to find a church that is very near my house, less than 10 minutes walk. However the teaching is about Book of Mormon which I do not agree with their teaching. On the day itself, I suddenly had a thought of texting my pastor from previous church. I knew she might not be in town as she is very active in Cambodia work. To my surprise, she replied. She was back on that afternoon. I think it is GOD's indication. Thing just come so smoothly.
I returned back to the church on the following Sunday. The feeling was like returning home after away for many years. This time, by GOD's grace, my hubby followed me. Though he went clubbing till 6.30am, he still went to church with me at 11am and was paying attention to the service throughout.
Prayfully he will go to church with me every Sunday. GOD is indeed great :)
Hopeful
LC
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