I Can Relate

We have been studying the parable of the Prodigal Son over the last few weeks. I love this story because it's so relatable. As a prodigal daughter in my younger years, I am thankful The Father welcomed me home with open arms. As a mom, I hope I would respond the same way as the father in this story did when his younger son returned home. As a sister, I personally know how it feels for the prodigal brother to come home.

As I read about the older brother, I can understand his reaction to the younger brother’s return. The older brother has a lot of feelings when he finds out his dad is throwing a party to celebrate the younger son’s return home. 

“The older brother was angry and wouldn’t go in. His father came out and begged him, but he replied, ‘All these years I’ve slaved for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to. And in all that time you never gave me even one young goat for a feast with my friends. Yet when this son of yours comes back after squandering your money on prostitutes, you celebrate by killing the fattened calf! ‭‭– Luke‬ ‭15‬:‭28-‭30

I imagine the older brother feels overlooked, slighted, hurt as well as jealous and angry. He may even want to go all Cain and Abel on the younger brother. (Genesis 4:1-16) 

Isn’t that what our flesh does in our unhealthy reaction? But the father says to the older brother, “Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours. We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!” ‭‭– Luke‬ ‭15‬:‭31‬-‭32‬ ‭

I can see myself in both sons’ brokenness. The younger son was foolish with his inheritance and the older son was jealous of his brother’s return. Meanwhile, the father loved them despite their behavior. 

Isn’t that what God does for us? 

Isn’t that what we should do for others? 

I find that when I’m spending time with Jesus and taking good care of myself, my responses reflect that. When my attention is elsewhere and other things become idols, my reactions reflect that as well. 

This story is such a great reminder of how I want to treat others while reminding me that forgiveness is waiting for me when I repent. 

PRAYER: Thank You, Lord, for Your unfailing love. Thank You for welcoming us home no matter what we’ve done. Help us to see others as You see them and forgive others as You have forgiven us.

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