The elder brother
Today's focusThe older son refuses to join the celebration for his returned brother; the father goes out to him too, inviting him into grace.
Read
25Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing. 26And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. 27And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. 28And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him. 29And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: 30But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. 31And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. 32It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
Reflection
In this passage, the older son returns from the field to find a celebration he did not expect. When he hears "musick and dancing" for the brother who "devoured" the family's living, he becomes angry and stays outside. You may sometimes feel like this son—focused on your own hard work and how many years you "serve" without feeling rewarded. It is easy to feel that grace shown to others is a personal slight against your own faithfulness.
However, notice the father’s gentle response. Just as he ran to the younger son, he now comes "out" to entreat the older one. He reminds him of a beautiful truth: "thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine." The father does not choose between his children; he invites both to the same table. Today, remember that God’s joy over a person who was "lost, and is found" does not take anything away from you. You are invited to stop standing outside in resentment and join the gladness of a Father whose love is enough for everyone.
AI-written reflection on the passage above. Let Scripture itself be the main thing.
Reflect
Is there any 'elder brother' resentment in your heart toward someone God has welcomed?
Pray
Father, you go out to both the runaway and the resentful. Forgive me for any pride that keeps me outside your celebration. Help me rejoice when others come home to you.