The Inheritance

Posted by Karah

Pause

Find a comfortable chair and grab your Bible, pen, and highlighter. Take a deep breath and ask God to help you focus on Him.

Check out the definition of “rebel” at the bottom of the blog. List the names of some authorities or people in positions of power in your life.

Have you ever rebelled against any of them? What made you resist their authority?

Now, read Luke 15:11-16 in your Bible.

“A man had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate I have coming to me.’ So he distributed the assets to them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered together all he had and traveled to a distant country, where he squandered his estate in foolish living.” —Luke 15:11-13

Reread Luke 15:11-16 and answer the questions:

-Since an inheritance was usually given after someone’s death, what did the son’s request say about his feelings for his father? Explain.

-Verse 13 says the son “traveled to a distant country.” Think about some of your personal experiences. Do you think distance from the people and things you know can make rebellion easier? Why?

-What were the effects of the son’s rebellion? Does your rebellion affect those around you? How does it affect your relationship with God?

 

Respond

Sin is rebellion against God. Rebellion can also mean disobedience, or to go against some authority. Because God is holy, sin goes against His very character.

-Take a hard look at your own heart. Do you see any areas of rebellion? Be honest with Him about those things. Journal a prayer confessing your rebellion to God.

-Who can hold you accountable when you feel tempted to rebel?

-For further study, read A Tale of Two Sons (Thomas Nelson, 2010) by John MacArthur. (This book applies to the next three weeks of devotions.)

 

Behind the Story

Inheritance was typically given after someone died. When the younger son asked for his inheritance early, he chose to disown his father. To disown means to pretend someone does not exist, or treat him like he is dead. The son’s wild living was likely an embarrassment to his family. For example, pigs were declared unclean by God; a job feeding pigs was not only disgusting, but also sinful.

 

Rebel v. = To disobey authority or oppose being controlled.

 

The Point

We are all sinners who rebel against God.

Posted in Boys, Devotions | Tagged Camp Ridgecrest Alumni and Friends, Camp Ridgecrest for Boys, Reprinted from ec magazine. © 2012 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission., Weekly Devotions