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“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.'”
– Jesus, “The Parable of the Prodigal Son” (Luke 15:25-27)

Jesus’ story about the father and two sons has followed closely the younger son’s journey into the far country and his subsequent return home. Now, Jesus turns the focus back to the older son, who has not been mentioned since the beginning of the parable. The family fortune had been split between him and his younger brother. By taking what was his and staying quiet, the older son had shirked his responsibility to be a bridge between his father and brother.

Although the older brother may be busy in the field, it will soon be evident that he also has a problem with his father. Once he hears the music and dancing, he asks a servant what is going on. The servant explains that everyone is celebrating because the father has received his younger son back in peace. He’s forgiven him. The celebration is for the father’s incredible display of grace, not because the prodigal has done something worthy of celebration.

Many people involved in God’s Kingdom work have a broken relationship with the Father. They see no cause for celebration when someone is accepted into the family, because they believe themselves to be the only people who have truly earned God’s favor.

Many believe that salvation is theirs because it’s their “due.” They do good works here on earth because they expect God to slaughter the fattened calf one day for them. But when they see God doing more for the seemingly less-deserving, their enthusiasm turns to bitterness.

When our attitude turns from “I’m not worthy to be called a child of God” to “I deserve better!”, it is a sign we are entangled in haughty estimations of spiritual self-worth. When we view God as a banker, issuing notes based on merit, we start to think He owes us something. It’s then we must repent and remember that God is our Father.

written by Trevin Wax  © 2007 Kingdom People blog

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