The Heart of the Prodigal Son's Brother

Lately my Sunday School class has been reading through Luke. This week we are studying Luke 14. The last parable is the parable of "The Prodigal Son". Which has really pricked and humbled my heart. Sometimes in studying this passage we forget about the older son, who stayed with his father and continued to work. He was the good son, right? So we presume. We find out that although he outwardly appeared good his heart was bitter, had ungodly motivations and full of resentment. "But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him. So he answered and said to his father, 'Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandments at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends'" For some reason I have felt a little like this son. Expecting to be rewarded for my faithfulness, my studies at seminary, my volunteer work at church, my present job. Don't I deserve a little recognition!?! NO! Ouch!

I know I need to have the mentality of the Prodigal son who "came to his senses" and realized that the servants in his fathers house were being well provided for than he was expecting the world to provide for him. He came to his senses realized his sinnfulness and came humbly to his father expecting nothing but perhaps his father would make him a servant.

Comparing the two brothers two words stick out. The words make and give. The prodigal son came back to his father only expecting to be made a servant. The older son stayed only to get something in return or be recognized by his efforts.

Prayer request: I spoke to my father the other night. He has been in the ministry for over 35 years. At present he is pastoring a small church in Daytona Beach, Fl. I know many of you are probably saying...poor man...tanning for Jesus. Well, its not like that for him, but the leisure mentality has lodged deep in the hearts of those living in the community, even the hearts of the church members. The area in which my father minister's is a hard community. It is full of deadbeat fathers who have adopted the no rules, leisure mentality that caters to the tourists. This leaves mothers with 3 to 4 to 5 children, to fend for themselves. Most of the time they find the means through the bars and stip joints lining the main streets of Daytona. Many of them get hooked on alcohol, drugs, sex..leaving these children and youth wanting for both parents. My father's has been diligent in staying and trying to serve and reach this community for Christ. He and the family has sacrificed much. He has never asked anyting accept people come to and live for Christ. Prayer for his continued obedience. Pray for his soul to be revived and given a fresh desire to serve. May God's glory shine upon my father's countenance and be the lifter of his head.

As a daughter I am proud of my fathers perserverance. As a daughter I want my father to be recognized for his service. As his daughter I have become hard hearted towards the people of Daytona Beach and have struggled over the years fighting the idea of returning and using my talents and the education I have received here, for the cause of Christ in that area...fighting the idea of expecting anything but to be a servant. My father's advice has not helped me much. When I ask him if I should return, he says he doesn't want me to get caught in the middle of things. He wants me to experience a ministry position that reaps results. As a proud father that is only normal. We are both not being realistic.

I realize my selfishness. I sit at home in the comfort of my living room, in the security of my job, in the security of a well staffed church home and find myself being just as complacent in ministry as those in Daytona have become complacent in life.

Father, teach me to be humble. Give me the willingness to forgive so that I may be forgiven. Make my heart tender and compassionate towards those who have become complacent in their walk with the Lord or have not yet come to the renewing power of Jesus Christ. Sometimes I can be unsympathetic to those living in sin. I don't like it. I want to be ever willing to boldly speak and live my faith. Help me to intentionally seek out opportunities and help me to be mentally and spiritually prepared to do so. Not my will be done, but thy will. Amen

There are many different aspects of this parable that can be looked at and applied to life. Especially the Fathers actions. But that is for another blog.

Any comments and scripture passages are welcome.