Son or Slave

We are going to have a feast, a celebration, because this son of mine was dead and has come back to life; he was lost and is found.
Lk.11:24

The Father restores the prodigal's sonship. He is no longer a slave but a son. 

We see ourselves in one of two ways, a slave or a son (or daughter). The unforgiving brother sees himself as a slave; "all these years I have slaved for you". This comes from thinking I need to earn God's love. 

The prodigal son was prepared to be a slave; "treat me as one of your paid servants." But the Father redefines him. He is "a son of mine". 

Whenever I find myself despondent, it's when I've lost sight of my true identity. I've stopped seeing myself rightly, seeing myself as God the Father sees me, a beloved son in whom he delights. 

This grace is outrageous, and I thank God for it daily.