former identity.

Luke 15. Everyone knows this parable. Commonly referred to as the parable of the prodigal son. However, recent readings of this parable along with the works of Tim Keller and John MacArthur have made me realize that the story is a parable of two sons. One, a blatantly obvious sinner. The other, a subtly subversive sinner.

v. 25-32:

25 “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ 28 But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, 29 but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might e celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came, f who has devouredg your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’31 And he said to him, ‘Son, h you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 It was fitting e to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother i was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”

This was me. I used to be like this. I used to hold God hostage with my "obedience" and legalistic mindset, thinking that I deserved so much for doing such things. And when I would see God's blessings of love and grace and mercy being poured out upon those "other" sinners, I would be so jealous, so spiteful, so... ugh.

The irony is, I was in a much worse position than the other. And, eventually, this mindset drove me to rebellion. To hate and not want to obey. But in that position, I found a loving father, a grand feast, and a joy beyond no other. How does that happen?

Only by the grace of God, who rebukes, disciplines, and save those He loves.