Thoughts on Killing the Fattened Calf for the Bad Boy
I have thoughts on killing the fattened calf for the bad boy today.
First, we are all the bad boy even if I feel I am the older brother.
However, killing the fattened calf for the bad boy is really something. Most peasant families I know just have one.
Jesus further says in the passage:
I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
Jesus also commands us to make disciples.
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
But no comment of more rejoicing here.
Having considerable work in both, I can say discipling is much more encouraging. Loving people who reject your Savior is not easy at all.
Both processes take a lot of time. People do not usually make big changes in their life quickly. Most people hardly change at all.
Killing the Fattened Calf Makes Sense To Me
We have seen adult men take 20 years to come to faith. College students take years. Discipleship also can take 20 years with adults but more encouraging steps along the way as I see it.
In the church, lots of works goes on that is like discipleship. Evangelism is harder and usually gets less energy. So Jesus kills the fattened calf for a reason.
Let us make lists of non christians we know. List the delivery man who comes to the door. Let’s pray for chances to tell them about the Savior we know. Pray that they would ask us questions about our faith. Let’s persevere. It is not easy. Make sure each of them know we are Christians if we know them. Let’s reach out with this in mind.
15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
We often get too excited if someone wants to know about our faith. They ask for a cup of water and we give them the fire hose. Let’s learn to give the cup and let God do the work until the next cup. God is at work reaching them through us.
May we each be blessed to see more people come to faith by seeking it with all our heart.
