The American Wisdom Series
http://www.americanwisdomseries.com
Presents
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TOCaution to students of God's Word - Please remember two things when using our studies: #1. Our commentary is not God's Word. It is only our interpretation or understanding of "His Word" and even though we try our best to be accurate we may or may not be correct. #2. The King James translation, or any other translation, of the original Hebrew text has some words which were given different translations at different places probably because of the interpreters preconceived ideas of what they think God meant to say. For example: According to the notes in the "Drake's Annotated Reference Bible" the Hebrew word hayah in the KJV is Trans. (became) 67 times, (becamest or came to pass) 505 times, (become) 66 times, and (come to pass) 131 times, but for some reason in Genesis 1:2 it is translated (was)! That sure changes the way a person perceives the original creation of the earth, doesn't it? Gen. 1:2 And the earth was (became) without form, ... Having said that, let us continue with our "Key Knowledge" lessons. These are pamphlets containing knowledge, we believe, you must have to fully and accurately unlock and understand the Word of God.
John 15:26
But when the Comforter is
come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which
proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
John
16:13-14
[13] Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he
will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever
he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. [14] He
shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto
you.
This Bible Study was originally written by Roger
Christopherson,
published at http://www.theseason.org/
Without the leading by the Holy Spirit, there is no understanding of the truths, for all the truth of the Scriptures are revealed to us by God's Spirit.
Now here is our revised study of:
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO
LUKE
Chapter 15
"Parable of the Lost Sheep. [3 -
6]"
"Parable of the Lost Drachmas. [7 - 9]"
"Parable of the Two Sons,
Prodigal Son. [11 - 24]"
"The Brother's Anger. [25 -
32]"
Luke 15:1 "Then drew near unto Him all the publicans and sinners for to hear Him."
"The publicans" were the tax-collectors, and most of the people looked down on them. Many times they assessed more than was required.
Luke 15:2 "And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, "This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them." "
When the Pharisees and scribes, the religious leaders at the temple saw these publicans and sinners gathering around Jesus, they started muttering amongst them-selves. We will see in this chapter a view of God's overall plan. First of all remember that in that first earth age, one third of all God's children followed Satan in his rebellion. One third were sinners, and were separated from God. Even Esau was hated by God because of the sins he did from that first earth age; Romans 9:13 "As it is written, "Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated." It was written in Malachi 1:3.
The word "burden" means a divine oracle, a "warning" directly from the LORD TO (not concerning) Israel, even to the whole natural seedline of the house of Jacob as evidenced by the following verses 2-5. This oracle "to Israel" immediately separates the men from the boys, so to speak. In other words, it separates the true messengers of God from the apostate messengers, in that so few who teach God's Word today actually know who the true house of Israel is and where those sons of Jacob dwell this very day. In fact, many preachers do not make a distinction at all between an Hebrew, an Israelite, and a Jew.Is God fair? Is He a God of fairness?"
The answer is "Of course there is no unrighteousness with God"!
He is completely fair.
It is written that God is NOT a respecter of persons.
You get what is coming to you, both good and bad!Malachi 1:1
The burden of the word of the LORD to Israel by Malachi.
But thank God for those few true teachers and messengers of God who do know His Word and who do know the history of the migrations of His people, for many glad hearts have now been turned back to their fathers in the discovery of who they are, of their true heritage, even many in this great nation being of true Israel, and the joyful knowledge that bond brings turns their hearts ever so more tenderly back to their heavenly Father.
If you are one who is not familiar with the migrations of the 10 northern tribes of Israel following their Assyrian captivity and where those tribes are located today, then log unto (live link to)- Pamphlet #1064 or Pamphlet #1020. It will get you started in the right direction to understand the true heritage of the Christian nations today.
Hear now what the LORD has to say to His people, beginning with "I have loved you!"
Mal. 1:2
I have loved you, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, Wherein hast thou loved us? Was not Esau Jacob's brother? saith the LORD: yet I loved Jacob,Romans 9:13 "As it is written, "Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated."
This is another statement that even further separates the men from the boys for this statement brings into question the "fairness" of God. We hear the question asked many times from people, "How is God Fair and Just?" "How can a loving God allow bad things to happen to people?" Or they ask, "How is it fair that some people are born in the USA and others in remote parts of the world?" Unfortunately we also hear these questions asked from many (even very prominent) ministers who should be knowledgeable enough in His Word to give an answer from Him, from His Word! After all, they are His messengers and are supposed to give His answer when asked a question, but you see, they have not studied the Word of God in detail enough to even know about the first earth age and the rebellion of Satan when he drew a third of God's children (Rev. 12:4) away from His mercy seat of truth and justice. You can read all about it in Ezekiel 28. The fact is, that first "falling away" is the very reason why we are here, why we had to be born from above ("anothen" in Greek) and come "walk under the sun" in flesh tabernacles and experience the first death before we return home in our spiritual bodies (Ecc. 12:7).[3] And I hated Esau, and laid his mountains and his heritage waste for the dragons of the wilderness.
To wit, the entire Plan of God was laid out, as it is written in the stars in the uncorrupted Zodiac beginning with Virgo, even before the overthrow and destruction of that first earth age when God shook the mountains and knocked the earth slightly off its axis through true north and the earth became "tohu va bohu", which means utterly void and waste, and water covered the whole earth (Gen. 1:2). Yes, even the destiny of that "seed" we learned of in our introductory who would come serve Him in this final generation (Ps. 22) was predetermined then according to His purpose (Rom. 8). Of course the scoffers and the non-believers are clueless as to why one is born here or one is born there. They just call it "Life's Lottery"! Too bad, because if you trust in something as uncertain as a lottery in hopes of coming out on top, you're already a loser.
One of us is born here or one of us is born there based on what we did in the first earth age.
So how is it that God hated (which means to love less by comparison) Esau and loved Jacob? Let us go to Romans chapter nine and learn from our Father's Word.
Notice that the sons were not yet even born! They were still "innocent" little babes yet in their mother's womb, but the plan of God and His purpose concerning the election was already laid out! You see, God already knew both of His sons, both Esau and Jacob, long before He placed their souls in the sacs of water in Rebecca's womb. Again, the destiny of God's elect, His children, was predetermined before the foundation of this earth age. Paul wrote of it in Ephes. 1:4-5 "According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love: [5] Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will." God also told Jeremiah that He knew him before he was placed in his mother's womb and that He had set him apart to be a prophet unto the nations... as it was so! Jeremiah 1:5: "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations."Romans 9:10
And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac;[11] (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of Him that calleth;)
God knew and knows all of His children and exactly what they did in the "world that then was" (2 Pet. 3:6) before the overthrow of that first earth age. So God made the following statement concerning the brothers of Esau and Jacob.
And why would that be? Because God knew what Esau had done in the first earth age and He wasn't very pleased that he disesteemed Him, had no regard for Him, even as he would again demonstrate in the flesh![12] It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger.
Again, this example is used both by Paul and by the Lord here in Malachi to raise the question "Is there unrighteousness (injustice) with God?" In other words, "Is God fair? Is He a God of fairness?" The answer is "Of course there is no unrighteousness with God"! He is completely fair. It is written that God is NOT a respecter of persons. You get what is coming to you, both good and bad! Acts 10:34 "Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons." You see, man just will not take the time to understand His Word and His plan.[13] As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.
Let's document why God had little regard for Esau and he deserved what he got, i.e. his lot and his portion. We pick up the story in Genesis where Esau had been out hunting fruitlessly and comes to Jacob claiming he is starving to death.[14] What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.
Esau could not see past the flesh!Genesis 25:32
And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me?
He SOLD his birthright, even the double portion of his inheritance that goes to the first born? Wow! I sure hope he got millions of dollars for it! Let's see how much he actually sold it for.[33] And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob.
Unbelievable! Esau SOLD OUT HIS CHILDREN'S BLESSINGS, even the blessings of the Russian people, for a bowl of red pottage! Won't he be "Mr. Popular" when the truth of matter is reveal to his people! He had no regard for his heritage! He "disesteemed" it! On a deeper level, it is his heavenly Father whom He "disesteemed", as in had no regard or respect for.[34] Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.
And so it is written in Malachi 1:3 that God "laid his mountains and his heritage waste for the dragons (jackals) of the wilderness." Just take a look at the land of Esau, the land of Russia, today. The entire country lies north of our northern parallel. They have not been blessed with a fruitful plain as America (Jacob) has, the "bread basket" of the world, and so it is even to this very day Esau comes to Jacob with his bowl held out to be filled with our golden grain.
Can man build without God? Whatever Esau tries to do without God, shall be thrown down. It is written. Read the great book of Obadiah how Esau, Russia, built up a confederacy called the USSR to rival the West, the house of Jacob, and then read how it collapsed exactly as it is written... according to His purpose.Malachi 1:4
Whereas Edom saith, We are impoverished, but we will return and build the desolate places; thus saith the LORD of hosts, They shall build, but I will throw down; and they shall call them, The border of wickedness, and, The people against whom the LORD hath indignation for ever.
To be called "the border of wickedness" means that it shall be called the territory or land of the lawless, even a "Red Nation" of communism and oppression, even a land whose godless system despises, disesteems, God's name. Former President Ronald Reagan referred to it as the "Evil Empire"! That does not mean that there are not many good Christians in the land of Esau, but we speak of the ungodly and unholy system of government.
How is it though that it is written that God has "indignation for ever" against Esau. You will learn from reading the Book of Obadiah that Esau has a perpetual hatred of his brother Jacob, and as long as that hatred exists the LORD shall have indignation against him.
It shall be Israel (no, not the little country in the middle east that we call Israel today; we mean "THE REAL ISRAEL!") that shall lift up His name in all the earth because that's His plan, according to His purpose.[5] And your eyes shall see, and ye shall say, The LORD will be magnified from the border of Israel.
We are told in I Chronicles 2:55 that way back in captivity in Babylon, the Kenites took over the duties of the Levitical scribes. By the time Jesus was born, some five hundred years later, they were teaching traditions, not the laws of Moses.
I Chronicles 2:55 "And the families of the scribes which dwelt at Jabez [Jerusalem], the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, and Suchathites. These are the Kenites that came of Hemath, the father of the house of Rechab."
The Kenites are of Cain, not of Abraham. They are the offspring of the seed of Satan, Cain, and the things that they do is of their father Satan. Jesus told these Pharisees and scribes this right to their face in John 8:44. "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for He is a liar, and the father of it." The Kenites came into the temple at the time David was on the throne, as wood cutters. In time, they assumed many of the altar duties of the Levitical priests. In fact by the time of Ezra, some five hundred years later, not one of them was with Ezra, returning to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple and set up sacrificial worship there.
Ezra 8:15 "And I gathered them together to the river that runneth to Ahava; and there abode we in tents three days: and I viewed the People, and the priests, and found there none of the sons of Levi."
Think of the shock that must have been to the old prophet Ezra, he has these 43,000 people that he is bringing to Jerusalem to build this Temple, and not one of the hundreds of priests is a Levite, every last one of them was a Kenite, a son of Satan through Cain. What kind of worship would be set up then? Traditions. The Priesthood had been completely taken over by Cain's descendants by end of the Babylonian captivity.
So it is important to understand just who these so called religious leaders are that are looking down their noses at Jesus, and why they hate our Lord so. Jesus is calling attention to their man made traditions, that they are not of God. These Kenites are belittling Jesus for going around with sinners. That is what a minister is for, going to sinners and giving them the gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus is setting our example.
Luke 15:3 "And He spake this parable unto them, saying,"
Jesus is speaking these parables to the Pharisees and the scribes, to the religious leaders.
Luke 15:4 "What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?"
Jesus is telling us exactly how our Heavenly Father's heart is, and He is doing it in a parable. If there is just one lost, He will go after that one until it can be saved. Jesus is telling us that if there is one sinner lost, it is important to go after that sinner. "One hundred" in biblical numerics signifies God election, or grace. These are the children of the promise. A wise person should think on two levels as we study these parables. Both the level of the election in the prodigal son, and the level of the sinner or the lost.
Luke 15:5 "And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing."
When the Good Shepherd finds that lost sheep, He is the one that carries that lost sheep home on His shoulders. That is exactly how it is with us also, when we get so tied down in our troubles, He will pick us up and carry us through those difficult times.
Luke 15:6 "And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbors, saying unto them, `Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.' "
When our Heavenly Father gets this one back to Himself, He is going to make over this lost one more than the others that are there with him.
Luke 15:7 "I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance."
Jesus had just given this parable of the lost sheep, and here He is comparing in to heaven. "Likewise joy", the same kind of joy will be in heaven when just one sinner repenteth. In heaven, when one sinner repents, the angels rejoice; those dear family and friends that have passed on rejoice over one soul repenting for their sins. Those that do not need repentance are mature in the Word, and follow the path that God has given us through His Word.
When you set goals for your life and as you reach each of those goals, it is a time for rejoicing. The purpose for this entire earth age of flesh man, is to save lost souls that have rebelled and followed Satan in that first earth age. When just one of those souls is saved, there is a victory in heaven, for as each lost comes to Christ, a goal is met and there is rejoicing. Each one is important, for that soul has been snatched out of Satan's hand. That rejoicing goes no not just on earth, but in heaven also.
Luke 15:8 "Either what woman having ten pence's of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house till she find it?"
However, on the other hand, Jesus is saying; If a woman has ten pieces of money and she misplaced one of those units of money, she will turn on the lights, sweep the house until she has found the lost pence. Of course the "woman" here represents the Holy Spirit of God. It is the Holy Spirit that seeks out our soul to touch and warm it, and convict it of sin. "Ten" in biblical numerics is the number for "testimony".
Luke 15:9 "And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, `Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.' "
Remember that Jesus is explaining in this chapter why He is going amongst sinners, and what He is here for. That was the purpose even from the book of Genesis, and the Old Testament. The first prophecy of the coming of Christ was back in the garden of Eden.
Luke 15:10 "Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth."
When ever any person repents for their sins, those family members in heaven that have died and passed on, rejoice. You know our grandparents are pulling for us, while we live our life here in the flesh. There is great rejoicing every time on person repents and comes to the Lord. Each soul living in their flesh body, is spiritually dead until they repent of their sins and come under the blood of Christ in repentance. Revelation tells us that those hundreds of thousands that are under the altar, that shed their blood on earth, who were human beings, but are there with God now.
Revelation 6:9 "And when He had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the Word of God, and for the testimony which they held:"
Revelation 6:10 "And they cried with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost Thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?"
Revelation 6:11 "And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled."
Those dear souls who already lost their flesh and blood lives observing those things that are going on in this earth age of flesh man now, but they can not enter back into the dimension of flesh man. They are these angels in heaven who are rejoicing over the sinner, i.e. a brother, sister, son or daughter,grandson or granddaughter or former friend in the flesh that repenteth. They are waiting for the events of this earth age to be fulfilled and the seventh and final trumpet to sound. Because this was spoken in a parable, the scribes and Pharisees probably had no idea what Jesus was talking about. It was just a story to them.
Luke 15:11 "And He said, "A certain man had two sons:"
Luke 15:12 "And the younger of them said to his father: `father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me.' And he divided unto them his living."
The Father gave to the younger son the portion that was to sustain him while he lived in this flesh life here on earth. This portion was not in properties, but is was the wealth of his inheritance that he would receive at the father's death. It was an equal value in money and movable goods that the son would have received due to an inheritance. By law, the elder son would have received two thirds of the estate, and the younger, one third, at the father's death. This younger son was not happy living under his father's roof, and being under his older brother. He wanted to set out and make it on his own, and that is what he did.
Luke 15:13 "And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living."
This young fellow lived his life in the fast lane, wasting his money and squandering the estate that his father had given to him. He just never gave it a second thought while the money lasted. This is exactly as it is today for not many care of their heritage that they have from our heavenly Father. They just don't care of that heritage our forefathers left for us, and they are out to do things their own way. All races are included in this heritage, but many just don't care about pleasing God, but they try to please them-selves. This young man has friends everywhere because he is paying the tab. He is buying their friendship, but as we will see, you just can't buy friends.
Luke 15:14 "And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in the land; and he began to be in want."
His friends sure helped spend his money, until the funds ran out. This young man never gave a thought about the future, and when the mighty famine hit the land, those friends were no where around. This young man didn't care about what his father had given to him, for he didn't earn it, and he did not know the value of his wealth. His goods and heritage meant nothing to him. He was after the good time, and that is what he had, for a very short time.
Luke 15:15 "And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine."
This young man went out into the country and joined himself to the prince of this world, and worked on his farm feeding the pigs. The pig is the lowest carnal flesh on the face of the earth. Even the demons did not want to posses the pigs, as we read in Luke 8:33, when the demons left the man and entered into the swine. So here this young man is, in a far off land during a famine, and feeding the pigs on another mans farm.
Luke 15:16 "And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him."
There was a famine going on, and this young man was hungry. Even the pig's food looked good to him, for it would put something into his belly. This man is starving. You never put the good times over the paying of the bills, or the very hard times will come upon you. The joys and highs of this world will give you a kick for awhile, but in time it will knock you right off your feet.
Luke 15:17 "And when he came to himself, he said, `How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!"
This young man had to hit the bottom, before he would take the time to look up. Sitting there amongst the pigs, the lowest flesh life on earth, he thought of how it was back with his family, where even the servants had enough to eat with some left over. When this boy left home, he thought he was really something, high minded and in control of the world. He had plenty of money and so-called friends that would help him with the good times, as long as he paid the tab. When the money ran out, so did the friends, and his pride. He is now thinking of returning and working for his father as a hired hand on the farm.
Luke 15:18 "I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, `Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,"
The young man as finally came to his senses, and is repenting for his wild ways. He has been out working for Satan, in Satan's field of this world, but now he wants to turn from Satan, and return back to the Father in repentance. He realizes that his actions were a sin against heaven, and before the Almighty Father. This is all going through this young man's mind.
Luke 15:19 "And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.' "
This is what this young man is going to say to his earthly father, for he realizes what he has done to his father's heritage. This man just wants to be on the farm, and live as the servants live: Nothing special, just work and eat.
Do you think the father will forgive him? Do you think the Heavenly Father will forgive you for turning your back on Him in your life? Of course He would when there is true repentance.
Luke 15:20 "And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him."
This boy left a very high minded person, but he is coming back humble. Our heavenly Father will always rejoice when He finds that humble soul coming back to Him in repentance. This parable is symbolic of the love our Heavenly Father has for his children. Our Heavenly Father is happy to receive each soul that comes back to him in humility and repentance. Our Father is supernatural and He can read our minds and he knows when a person has a truly repentive heart. He knows what you were thinking before you ever made a move back to Him. When you come back to Father, rest assured that He is there looking for you, and waiting for you to make that move. This earthly father had compassion on his son, and ran to meet him and wrap his arms around that little fellow. It is Father's will that all will come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."
Father is longsuffering with the patience to wait for the time for you to come to your senses in repentance, just as this young man finally did. When one sinner of Father's lost children comes home there is great joy in heaven, even amongst the angels.
Luke 15:21 "And the son said unto him, `Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.' "
The son's confession to his father. "I have sinned against heaven and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son."
Luke 15:22 "But the father said to his servants, `Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:"
This young man came home to his father in such poor shape that he did not even have a pair of shoes. He is standing there in rags, tears, and a humble heart, and his father is ready to have a great feast because his son has returned. The ring that is put on the boy's hand is a signet, that is what royalty uses to press wax to certify that they are of the family and position to do what they do. This even allows this boy to sign the checks for the father. This father not only allowed him to sit at the family table, but he restored the young man right back to where he was before he left. He even got to wear the robe that he had before he left. This young man was lost, and now he is found and restored to his rightful position in the family.
This is what Christ's ministry is, to find lost souls and return them to their rightful position in the family of God. To leave the ninty and nine and seek out that one lost sheep, that wayward sinning lost soul. Remember in the second verse where the religious Pharisees were talking down on Jesus for being around publicans and sinners. That is what Jesus came to this earth for, to save sinners. However today many churches continue to teach salvation over and over when every one present has been saved. It becomes a mockery against Jesus.
Luke 15:23 "And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:"
This verse is symbolic for that time in heaven when one sinner repents. Your ancestors rejoice in heaven when a member of the family repents.
Luke 15:24 "For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to be merry."
This is how our heavenly Father feels when one of us returns to in repentence for our sins.
Luke 15:25 "Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing."
This elder brother has been faithful to his family duties and the job on the farm. In his entire life his father has never given such attention to him, as this little brother is receiving. As he came near the house after being in the field all day, he could hear the music and see dancing. Remember that parable of the workers in the vineyard, where the boss paid the workers that came in last the same as those that toiled in the field all day. This deals even with the election, those that were judged in the first earth age for being true to Christ when Satan was in his rebellion. This son that worked hard is an example of the election, true to his work and to Father.
As pointed out in Romans 8, God will not make the lost do anything, but he will hold the election accountable for the duties that are given to them. In return the Holy Spirit will even give utterance for the elect when they don't even know what to pray for; but not for the lost. If you are one of the elect, don't ever get jealous over the rejoicing for one soul being saved, for that is the purpose for this earth age. The purpose for this earth age is allowing those lost souls that rebelled with Satan to come back to God, our heavenly Father. The door is open "to whom so ever will".
The party was not thrown for the one that father could depend on, but for the one who came back into the family. The time for the real party for the faithful son is coming, and it is not far away. We are living in the latter days, and that marriage feast of the Lamb will be a time when rewards will be given to every one that was faithful to the end. Be patient in your work, and know the purpose that you are here for; to save those that are lost and bound for hell fire. God always pays well for service rendered to Him.
Luke 15:26 "And he called on of the servants, and asked what these things meant."
This verse is given to give an answer by Jesus to those Pharisees standing there listening to this parable. This elder son wanted to know what all the singing and dancing was about.
Luke 15:27 "And he said unto him, `Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.' "
Is your soul safe and sound? or are you still mortal? If you are a believer, you are living in the eternal and your soul is not mortal. Sure your physical body will age and die in time, but after repentance your soul will never die. Christ is answering the question here as to why he hangs around the sinners. Jesus is looking for His lost sons.
Luke 15:28 "And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him."
This is a warning to each of God's elect, those that have been tried and judged worthy in that first earth age. When you take this position that this elder son is taking, you could grow into the same position that those Pharisees and scribes were taking. They become so well learned in their traditions that they put themselves above everyone else in their self righteousness. Again, our purpose is to set a foundation for new believers to build upon from the Word of God.
Luke 15:29 "And he answering said to his father, `Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:"
Not yet, for the time of inheritance has not come yet to the eldest son.
Luke 15:30 "But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.' "
This eldest son complained that while I was out there in the field being faithful to my duties, your youngest son was throwing away his wealth, playing with harlots, and having a good time. Now stop and take a good look at mystery Babylon of the end times, and the harlots that the church world will be committing their fornication with.
Revelation 17:1 "And there came on of the seven angels which had seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, "Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters [nations]:"
Revelation 17:2 "With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication."
Those of this earth that will believe that this first messiah is the true Jesus are the ones that will spiritually fornicate with this harlot church. Make sure you stay focused on your duty in the field, until the true Christ comes at the seventh trump. Remember that you will not see Christ in your physical body, for Jesus comes at the seventh trump, and Paul has warned you that at the last, the seventh trump all flesh on the face of the earth will be changed instantly into their incorruptible bodies, i.e. their spiritual bodies.
Luke 15:31 "And he said unto him, `Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine."
This is the father speaking to his eldest son; it is our heavenly Father's Word to His elect. Father is telling you that you were with me before the foundations of this earth age, during this earth age, and throughout all eternity. You didn't fall after Satan in his rebellion in the first earth age, and you have been true in this age of flesh man. This also should remind us of the Zadok of the Millennium age where an earthly portion will not be given the Zadok, because everything is there.
Ezekiel 44:28 "And it shall be unto them for an inheritance: I am their inheritance: and ye shall give them no possession in Israel: I am their possession."
All that Christ has in His kingdom also belongs to the Zadok, and that is why no lot is given to them. If you get jealous over one soul entering into the kingdom, stop and think of the great inheritance that is and will be yours throughout all eternity.
Luke 15:32 "It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.' "
That is the reason for this earth age. That each soul will have the opportunity to repent and come back to the Father. When you do repent there is joy not only here on earth, but even the angels in heaven rejoice over one soul that repents and comes back to the Father. Each of those saved relatives that have passed on before you find joy in heaven over your repentance. At your repentance your soul comes to life again, and becomes immortal. Our duty in this earth age is to tell others of the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, to plant seeds of truth that the Holy Spirit can develop in the minds of the lost, and bring them to salvation.
You may work your entire life and never be noticed and recognized for the work you have done for our Lord, but the glory is not yours. All the glory goes to Jesus Christ, for He is the one that paid the price for each of our souls. You and I are not worthy to receive the praise no matter what we do, for only Christ could be offered as the perfect sacrifice.
Revelation 4:11 "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created."
He created you to find pleasure in you; have you given Him pleasure lately? Have you told Him that you love Him? He loves you and each soul, and desire each soul to come to repentance and be saved.
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