May 13, 2024 Daily Dose of Discernment

“Many will come from east and west and will eat with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, while the heirs of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness.” (Matthew 8:11-12)

The kindness of God extends to everyone from east to west and welcomes them to His kingdom and His bountiful banqueting table. But what does He mean the heirs of the kingdom will be cast into outer darkness? This exclusion is obviously hyperbolic. He doesn’t actually mean all sons of the kingdom will end up in a bad place. Still, ironically some of them, despite being heirs, will not inherit the blessing. Why? Because of their own hostile choice.

In the Parable of the Prodigal son, the older brother does not agree with his father being scandalously merciful to his younger brother. When the father throws a big party for his son who came back home, the older one would not have any part in it, not because he’s not invited, but because he’s protesting against his father’s ridiculously amazing grace. Let's not be like him and forfeit God's will of abundant life for us. But let's be as gracious as the father and welcome every member of our human family.