I want to keep in the story of the Prodigal for a while longer.  It is too rich to leave.  

     Yesterday we looked at the younger brother. Today lets look at the older.

     One thing that I have a hard time dealing with is someone who is a whiner.  I don’t know why, I just have to get away as quick as possible because I’m likely to say, or worse, do, something that I shouldn’t and possibly loose an opportunity to display the love which He commands us to give.  That kind of person is who the older brother is.

     Have you ever met somebody that was supposed to be mature but acted the exact opposite?  Look at the older brother in Luke 15:25-35.  The older brother was in the field, he comes up and does he find his father to get the 411 on what’s going on? No.  He asks a servant.  Why a servant? Hmm.

     His father comes out to him, finding him outside the party.  (I can just see this older son kicking the dirt with his bottom lip dragging, lol)  He then gives his father the litany of “what-I-have-done-lately” for you father.  Hopefully your Bible buzzer, as Pastor Paul calls it, is ringing ‘bout now.

     Matthew 7:21-23  21 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.  22 "Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?'  23 "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.' (NASB)

     The fact that the older brother was also a son must be kept in mind, however, he based his relationship on his works, not on realizing his need for the protection and provision of the father.  

     The other thing to notice is that the older brother never acknowledges that his little brother came home, nor showed any concern of his returning.  He tells his father that “this son of yours”, not my brother.  He compares what the father has done for the prodigal.  The next parable in chapter 16 of Luke is right to him.  The reason the father didn’t feel it necessary to let him throw a party is because he (the son) was doing what was expected.  Nothing special.  

     When you return to the faith, or repent from sin that has been plaguing us, don’t always expect someone who is close to you to rejoice.  The fact that this prodigal’s own brother was concerned over himself rather than coming in and throwing his arms around him in celebration hurt.  Bad.  

     Some of the most hurtful people are in the church.  Why?  Well, to put it bluntly, most in the church really aren’t saved.  They don’t give the evidence of salvation (fruits, display of spiritual growth, etc.).  Perhaps some are, but they become jealous because of the fact that they just don’t get recognized for what they do, and therefore, feel left out.

     How bout you?  Ever felt like the older brother?  It seems that you have been praying and doing what God has called you to, yet for some reason someone comes on the scene at church and everything they touch seems to be instant blessed from God in ways you have been praying it would, just not due to your work?  

     Rejoice in the fact that even when one comes home, that same grace that has been applied to them, the thought that the Father’s servants eat better than pigs that brought him to his senses, is the same provision that you have been relying on daily and have taken for granted.  

     Don’t depend on the works in the field, but trust in the provision in the house at the table of grace.  The older son made the mistake of trying to get his father’s attention by working hard.  When all that was necessary was accepting the fact that “child you are always with me, and all I have is yours.” He didn’t have to work for it…it already belonged to him…

     ‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
     And grace my fears relieved;
     How precious did that grace appear
     The hour I first believed!!!

Soli Deo Gloria,

Aaron “Tree” Landis
Psalm 1:3