longing to belong
"Why, O Lord, should Your wrath blaze up against Your own people?" —Exodus 32:11
After the Israelites sinned by adoring the golden calf, the Lord gave Moses the impression that the people belonged to Moses, not Him (Ex 32:7). Moses implored the Lord and referred to the people as belonging to the Lord (Ex 32:11).
The prodigal son felt that he no longer belonged in his father's family after what he had done (Lk 15:18, 21). His older brother agreed with him (see Lk 15:30). However, the prodigal son's father would hear none of this. He spoke of the prodigal son as "this son of mine" (Lk 15:24).
"Once you were no people, but now you are God's people" (1 Pt 2:10). We belong to God (Rm 14:8). We are a people peculiarly His own (Dt 26:18). He created and redeemed us. "You are not your own. You have been purchased, and at a price" (1 Cor 6:19-20). We are doubly owned by God.
Acknowledge that you belong to God. Rejoice to be owned by the all-powerful Creator and the all-loving Redeemer. Every day, pray and say with Paul: "I have been crucified with Christ, and the life I live now is not my own; Christ is living in me" (Gal 2:19-20). You belong to Him alone.
Prayer: Father, may I know to Whom I belong and therefore where I belong.
Promise: "But we had to celebrate and rejoice! This brother of yours was dead, and has come back to life. He was lost, and is found." —Lk 15:32
Praise: Praise Jesus, Who died so that we may live. Glory, honor, and might be to our God forever!
Reference: (For a related teaching on Living in Reality, view or download our leaflet or listen to or download our series starting with CD 38-1 or DVD 38 on our website or order our tape on audio AV 38-1 or video V-38.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 23, 2016
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