We Cannot Write At The Table

This powerful message takes us deep into the parable of the prodigal son from Luke 15, but with a fresh perspective that challenges us to see ourselves in every character at the table. We're invited to examine three crucial relationships: the father's unconditional love, the younger son's journey away from and back to the source, and the older son's struggle with resentment despite his faithfulness. The central revelation here is profound—sometimes we approach God demanding our inheritance while forgetting to value His presence over His presents. We disconnect from our source, thinking we can sustain ourselves independently, only to discover that what sustained us was never our own strength but our connection to the Father. The message confronts our tendency to withdraw from spiritual community when life is good, forgetting that the covering we enjoyed was protecting us from attacks we never even felt. Most striking is the exploration of the older son's pain—those of us who've stayed faithful, served consistently, and never wandered, yet wonder why the celebration seems bigger for those who return than for those who remained. The answer cuts deep: everything the Father has is already ours, but we must stay close enough to know what's happening in His house. This Thanksgiving season, we're challenged to check our proximity to the Father and remember that someone else's celebration doesn't diminish our access to everything He has.