We often hear about the prodigal son, but what about the elder brother? We rarely hear much on him. Why? Because in the deep recesses of everyone who claims Jesus lies the substance of the elder. Truthfully, he is the picture of religiosity and unknown identity. Why “unknown”? Unknown identity of himself. A deep lack of understanding of his place in his Father’s house, not fully understanding his Father’s heart and depth of His love for him.
Yes, the elder worked hard. He did what he felt was required and needed to please his Father. He toiled night and day to be found pleasing and worthy of his dad’s praise and acceptance. He would never dare ask of anything from Him to fulfill a want or desire–that would be selfish, and childish! He must be more mature, beyond such things! So he thought…
We see the other swing of the pendulum in this story of the little brother. Only interested in himself, he sees the privilege of living in his Father’s house but never contemplates the cost of how it is that he is there. He only sees his own life: his wants, his dreams, his desires, and he is just prideful enough to ask for all of it! And we know the rest of his story… (Luke 15:11-24)
Yet let’s look again at the elder. The elder brother’s first mistake was his own. His own way of viewing his life in his Father’s house. His Father (obvious from the full story) was/is not a harsh, hard taskmaster, only having sons so He could “slave them out” to do His bidding. (Yes, every good house has chores–the cost of maintaining an excellent, sustainable dwelling–but His heart is not of slavery, but of privilege.) The elder brother never viewed his Father’s heart until his reckless brother arrived back home. It was then that he was offended at the abounding love and mercy his Father showed to this heart-changed renegade who dared to return empty-handed. Judgment, disdain, and a skewed view was all the elder could see–and anger set in. Not really so much anger toward the Father, or the brother, but at his perceived situation in his own life. That pious, selflessness reared its ugly head in his first words to his Father: “Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for You and never disobeyed Your orders. Yet You never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of Yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, You kill the fattened calf for him!” (Luke 15:29-30) Judgment, Pride, Arrogance, and Self-pity were revealed in that statement.
Works, without love, were all over his words. He had no idea who his Father really was–he was just bitterly “doing” what he thought was required–FOR YEARS.
But what was the Father’s response in the story? “My son, you are always with Me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of your was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” (Luke 15:31-32) When you know who you are IN HIM–bitterness and judgment can flee away. Love will dominate your relationship with your brother, AND your Father, and you will truly see the magnificence of your Father’s heart.
Don’t forget to ponder that small, yet powerful, phrase in the middle of His comment: “…ALL that I have is thine.” We have not, because we ask not. Or we ask amiss that we may spend it on selfish pleasure. (see James 4:2-3).
Pray for a divine revelation of The Father’s Love for YOU. Watch your heart, surrender your motives, ask BIG things. Ask, and keep on asking. Watch and wait. In the meantime, give praise to your heavenly Father Who rules over ALL, Jesus is His Name!
