Do you get the older brother in Luke 15:25-16:13? I do. He is hard working, serious, diligent, dependable, obedient and very productive. He is so job focused that when he hears the music and dancing (his good-for-nothing younger brother's homecoming party), he goes to check out what is going on. And it is understandable that he gets miffed because that renegade brother of his is getting the party when he's been left at home to take up all the slack. Actually he's been fuming about this brother for some time ( he calls him the Dad's son instead of brother).
But then the sad truth comes out that this oldest son thinks he deserves favors from the father because of his hard work and consistent obedience. Really, hasn't he earned it? But the pride has puffed him up so much that he boycots the party and finally blows up bitterness on the father.
Hmm... This poor guy has forgotten who he is and whose family he's in. But the reminder to him and us comes: "'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.'"
Hmm... This poor guy has forgotten who he is and whose family he's in. But the reminder to him and us comes: "'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.'"
Oh Father! Help us to remember that we are in Your family. All You have is ours. May we be only grateful.
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