Joy in Being There for Others

In the story of the prodigal son, the younger of the two sons asked his dad for his share of their inheritance. Now, the dad is not dying, but the younger son makes his cashout request so that he can leave home and get to enjoying his job-free-turned-up life. The father, knowing his son, agrees to his request. Eager to experience it all, he takes the money his dad gives to him, and he blows it. The kid lived it up until he had absolutely nothing left.

In all of his desperation and literal poverty, the son still manages to do something rather profound. He swallows his pride, gathers himself and returns home to his safe place.

Do you know what the father does? He doesn’t tell him off, doesn’t put him to work, doesn’t embarrass him in front of the family. That father was so joyful that his son had returned that he THREW. HIM. A. PARTY. His son found his way back—nothing brought his father more joy than that.

Jesus spent a lot of time with people who were finding their way in life. Jesus loved to learn about others, so people loved to learn about him. He tried to understand them. He celebrated people that many would have pushed away. Jesus was often accused of spending time with tax collectors (who were seen as traitors) or people who were just thought to be sinners.

But Jesus’ presence made a difference in the lives of those who stayed close to him. Nothing brought him more joy than really getting close to and understanding the people who were perhaps the least understood and most distraught and then helping them find their way.

“I didn’t come for the righteous,” he’d explain.

Jesus devoted his life to being available for every wayward son looking in need of a gracious friend.

Consider this:

1. Whose presence has made a difference in your life? How has their presence impacted you?
2. Who can you be present for today?