Humble lessons

After a busy week, it is nice to sit and enjoy church. Even better when it is a Japanese Church. The message was a continuation of Luke 15:7 to the end of the chapter about the Lost Son, except it is from the older son's perspective. It is quite an interesting point of view, but regardless which character it is about, the lesson is learning to be humble.

The contrast between both sons is quite telling. While the younger son disobeys and returns to the father in a humble state, his older brother obeys, but is angry, bitter and prideful instead of celebrating the redemption of his sibling. We all prefer a happy ending, but the story concludes with a lot of uncertainty.

As I concluded reading the end of the Chronicles' books, the humble lessons reflect the Lost Son. God always allows us to use our free will, up until a point. He does not desire anyone to suffer, but hitting rock bottom helps us to realise where we can change and learn. It is up to us, whether we rise to the challenge or continue in rebellion.

Recalling the weekend, it helped me to realise that in the lessons from scripture we never stop learning from His word. As John Maxwell once quoted "If we stop learning, we stop growing". God teaches us through the challenges and, when we reflect, we can see His footsteps guiding us through our walk.