RETURNING HOME PT.3

RETURNING HOME – Part 3

“You Will Face Resistance”

Luke 15:25-28

25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.

26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.

27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.

28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.

When we think about “coming home,” we often picture peace, relief, and restoration—and rightly so. But tucked inside this story is a truth we don’t always expect:

Not everyone will celebrate your return.

The younger son came home broken, humbled, and ready to be restored. The father ran to him, embraced him, and rejoiced. But while there was music and dancing in the house… there was resistance in the field.

The elder brother heard the celebration, and instead of joy, it stirred anger. Instead of joining in, he stood outside. The very moment that represented grace and restoration for one became a point of frustration for another.

That’s how it can be when you return to the Lord.

Some people won’t understand the change in you. Others may question it. Some may even resent it. Why? Because your return highlights something in them—whether it’s pride, hurt, misunderstanding, or even conviction.

And the enemy will use that resistance if you’re not careful.

We see this same pattern all through the New Testament. When people tried to come to Jesus, there was often someone trying to stand in the way.

In Mark 10:13-14

“And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.

But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me…”

Even the disciples—well-meaning as they were—tried to block access to Jesus.

In another moment, blind Bartimaeus cried out for mercy, and the crowd told him to be quiet. But he cried out even more (Mark 10:48), He refused to let resistance silence his pursuit.

That’s the key.

When you decide to return home—to walk in God’s will, to live differently, to draw close to Him—you must settle something early on:

Are you living for the applause of people… or to abide with Jesus?

Because if you’re looking for approval from others, resistance will discourage you. It will make you second-guess your steps. It will tempt you to slow down or turn back.

But if your focus is on abiding in Christ, then resistance becomes background noise. It may still be there—but it won’t control your direction.

The prodigal didn’t turn around because his brother was upset. He kept moving toward the father.

And so must we.

There will always be voices. Some loud, some subtle. Some outside, and sometimes even within. But none of them matter more than the call of the Father drawing you home.

So, Stay focused. Stay steady. Keep walking.

Because the celebration inside is greater than the resistance outside.