It's Me Again God

78. The Prodigal Brother

It's me again God,

It was such a joy to read the story of the prodigal son yesterday but the story continues and not everyone is happy about his return:

"Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 'Your brother has come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.' "The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!' " 'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' "
Luke 15:25-32 NIV

Sibling jealousy is very common in families but this seems a bit extreme as we assume that the older brother is an adult or at least at an age to be working in the field. He is not happy that the father is so pleased to have his reckless brother home and he begins to complain. He's angry and won't even go and join the party! Perhaps he is insulted that his own obedience and faithfulness over the years, was not rewarded in a similar way.

Th older son was reacting out of bitterness. Perhaps he had carried the burden of extra work once his brother had left. He also may have had to deal with his father being upset for a long time after the prodigal's departure and now everything comes pouring out! 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!'

The older son does not show appreciation for all he has been given or the fact that he had been in his father's presence every day. His father seeks him out and pleads with him to join the celebrations. He shows him great love in the way he speaks to him and attempts to explain his actions. 'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' 

Lord, although I know you told this parable for the benefit of the religious leaders who were not happy with the grace and mercy you showed to the tax collectors and sinners, I am always challenged by it, to make sure I have the right attitude to those who turn to You and are saved. You invite me to celebrate with You over the return of Your lost sheep. I pray that even now as I spend this time with You, that there would be many who would be coming back to You this very day! No one is ever too far away from You —You receive all who come with a repentant heart. Thank You for Your love that calls us and Your grace that forgives even the most wayward sinner.

Blessed to be saved and made righteous by the precious blood of Jesus,
Amen.