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1 Peter 1:18-19 For you know that you were redeemed from your empty way of life inherited from the fathers, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish.

We’re probably all familiar with the fact that Jesus often taught by using parables. His parables frequently used real-life examples that were familiar to the people who were listening to Him. This made them relatable. At the same time, Jesus’ parable also had hidden meanings because they weren’t supposed to be immediately clearly understood by the people generally, but only to His disciples – and even then, Jesus had to explain the meaning to them so that they understood. In conjunction with His parables, Jesus sometimes said: “Matthew 13:9 Anyone who has ears should listen!”

I believe that Jesus still uses parables through the ordinary circumstances and events of our lives to teach us – if we are teachable and willing to listen. A circumstance we experienced yesterday stayed with me and as I thought more about it today, the Lord used it to teach me.

Bob has two portable oxygen tanks and the company representative instructed me that one of them should last about 2½ hours. When we left for the doctor yesterday, we took just one tank with us because we thought we would be home before it was used up. However, we didn’t know that we would be told to go to the local hospital for some tests before going home. Consequently, Bob’s oxygen tank ran out. Fortunately, because this happened at the hospital, they were able to hook him up to the oxygen that is “in the wall” which gave me time to come home and get the other full tank (and even take a few minutes to let the dogs out).

Today, as I thought about this circumstance, I thought about Jesus’ parable in Luke 15:11-31 which we normally call the parable of “The Prodigal Son,” but really it is about two brothers, both of whom were running on empty, as it were. The younger brother, because he had demanded his “inheritance” from his father early, then went and wasted it “in the far country;” the older brother because he chose to be dried up and empty rather than live as one who had a father who loved and cared for him with all the blessings that would have meant for him.

Mark 4:25 For whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.”

Father God, may I never close my heart toward You, for that would only lead to emptiness. May my heart always be opened toward Yours – to be filled according to Your spiritual riches and Your measure. Always keep in my mind that even this is not for my own sake, but that You are always giving with the intent that I should share the abundance You give to me with everyone, for only when I share will I have an abundance; if I do not share, I will also be impoverished. Through Christ Jesus, I pray, Amen.

John 10:10 A thief has only one thing in mind—he wants to steal, slaughter, and destroy. But I have come to give you everything in abundance, more than you expect —life in its fullness until you overflow!