The Not-So-Prodigal Son

I'd like to think many people have at least come across or heard of the parable of the prodigal son (if you haven't, please read here), and we know the typical interpretation: God is a loving father who will always welcome us back into his arms no matter what, but there is one character in the story that always seems to be left out - the elder brother, and I'm grateful to have heard a sermon on his perspective, which was my inspiration for this post.

"Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”

Luke 15:25-32

I don't know about you, but the elder brother's character is way more relatable to me. He had always been with the father, never squandering his money, never really a prodigal son. Yet, he was still so far away. He was out in the field, doing his father's work, but so far away that he didn't even know when his brother came home or when the party started.

I went through a point of spiritual drought, where I was basically just going through the motions, doing the work, but my heart was so far from the Father, just like the not-so-prodigal son of this parable. I think some of us might be going through something similar as well, and this is your reminder that the Father is waiting for you to return to His side.

This portion is also a guide for how we should act when others are forgiven. It is really easy to think it is unfair that they get to enjoy the same treatments as you when they haven't been as "good." However, remember that heavenly riches aren't finite. You won't enjoy less of God's love because He loves someone else too. If anything, you'll enjoy more of it! Now, you have someone to enjoy it with, share testimonies, prayers, etc. When others are forgiven (both by humans and God), we should join in the party to celebrate the new addition, not sulk like we've been replaced. There's enough love to go around!

Comment down below any other aspects of the elder brother's character that is relatable to you!

Peace and love of Christ be with you all!!!