In the parable of the prodigal son, we’re familiar with the father running out to the son that has returned from rioughteous living. However, we neglect to notice the relationship with the son that was upset and was always there with his father. When this son was upset because the father didn’t kill the fatted calf or celebrate his faithfulness to the father, it was the father, yet again, that came out to speak with this son and find out why his upset. So here, we see the son is upset, and it is the father once again that initiates coming out to check on the son and also taking the time to listen to him and then provide him comfort.
We also know of the parable where Jesus says to the rich man that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle for a rich man to enter heaven. We know that all it takes is for any person to turn to Jesus to enter eternal life. But we may not notice that riches isn’t just money. It’s for every one. We all have something that we value: a thing, a thought, a person, or whatever may be held above God in our hearts. Jesus is saying to turn from whatever we value the most and be willing to turn from it to turn to him because what he will give us in return (love, direction, abundant life, and more) is much more and worth more than any treasure that we originally had in our heart. “Where ever your treasure is, there your heart will also be.” Make Jesus your treasure and let Jesus be where your heart is—in his hands for eternal life, abundant life, direction, and protection.