4/15/ 25 The Transactional God

Takeaway: Do we serve God expecting blessings in return?

Opening Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for this time set aside to seek You. Open my heart and mind to Your Word, and help me to hear Your voice clearly. May this time of devotion draw me closer to You, shape me into the person You desire me to be, and renew my spirit. Guide me in Your truth, and let my time with You be a blessing. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Reflection

The parable of the prodigal son is often remembered from the perspective of the younger son—the one who squandered his inheritance, returned home in repentance, and was embraced by his father’s extravagant grace. But the older brother’s response is just as revealing. His reaction exposes a transactional view of his relationship with his father: I have worked hard, obeyed, and remained faithful—so why haven’t I received more blessings?

The older brother wasn’t serving his father out of love; he was serving out of expectation. He believed that his obedience should have earned him rewards. When he saw his wayward brother being celebrated, he felt cheated, as if his faithfulness had been wasted. In his mind, his years of service had built up credit with his father, and he was now demanding his rightful “payment.”

How often do we fall into the same mindset? We serve, obey, and remain faithful, but deep down, we may expect God to bless us in return. We assume that our good works should secure us more blessings and favor from God. When hardships come, or when we see others (especially those we deem “less deserving”) receive blessings, resentment can creep in.

But God is not transactional. He is not a divine accountant keeping a ledger of our good deeds and dispensing rewards accordingly. He is a gracious Father who gives freely—not because we’ve earned it, but because of His love. The older brother’s error was in seeing himself as a servant instead of a son. The father’s response in verse 31 is tender and revealing: “My son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.” The greatest gift was not a feast or a fattened calf—it was the relationship itself.

Question

Do you find joy in serving God, or do you sometimes feel resentful when you see others blessed in ways you desire?

Application

• Examine Your Motivation for Serving. Take time to reflect on why you serve God. Are you serving out of love for Him, or do you sometimes expect rewards in return?

• Let Go of Comparison. If you find yourself comparing your blessings or obedience to others, remember that God’s love and grace are not earned but freely given to all.

• Focus on Relationship Over Reward. Take steps to deepen your intimacy with Him—through prayer, worship, and meditating on His Word—understanding that He is the ultimate treasure.

Closing Prayer

Father, forgive me when I approach You with a transactional mindset, expecting blessings in return for my obedience. Help me to see that the greatest gift You offer is Yourself. Teach me to serve You out of love only. Keep my heart free from resentment and comparison, and remind me daily that everything I truly need is found in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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