The story of the prodigal son is found in Luke 15:11-31. I don’t have room to print it in this space, but let me paraphrase it. A dad had two sons. One left with his inheritance early, while the other son stayed on the farm and worked for his inheritance full time. The one who blew his inheritance came to his senses and decided to go back and ask mercy from his father.
The older brother was stunned when his dad welcomed the ‘lost’ son with open arms and restored him in all ways. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” (verse 20)
I imagine the older brother thinking; how dare dad welcome him back!
Sharon Jaynes writes in GIG: “Big brother won’t mind if you come back as long as you hang your head and wear your shame. But when God has the audacity to give you a little dignity back and you dare lift your radiant face to heaven in liberated praise, big brother may be appalled!…It’s pride that can’t celebrate with a prodigal-come-home. Folks who won’t celebrate are still kidding themselves into thinking they did something right to be loved by their Father. I say, let him (big brother) be appalled. Nothing makes some people angrier than grace. Big brother is invited to the party too, and it’s his decision whether or not he wants to join in the celebration. I’m just glad he’s not the one in charge. (April 3, 2019)
Heavenly Father, thank You for never giving up on me. Whether I’m acting like the wayward prodigal or the judgmental big brother, I know that You love me and long for me to take my place in Your loving arms.--Sharon Jaynes
He replied to the one speaking for the rest, “Friend, I haven’t been unfair. We agreed on the wage..didn’t we? So take it and go. I decided to give to the one who came last the same as you. Can’t I do what I want with my own money? Are you going to get angry because I am generous? Here it is again, the Great Reversal: many of the first ending up last, and the last first. (Matthew 20:13-16)