12 April | Youth
«The older brother was angry and wouldn’t go in. His father came out and begged him.» Luke 15:28, NLT
The parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) can be divided into two parts, with the second beginning in verse 25, when the eldest son enters the scene. However, although discreetly, he appears in the narrative from the beginning. The Bible states that the father “divided to them his livelihood” (v. 12), which suggests that the firstborn also received his share of the inheritance but was remiss in not defending his father's cause.
I like to call the eldest son a “prodigy” because he was a faultless boy. He had never “left” home. He had never disobeyed his parents. He had never transgressed any commandment. On the contrary, he had always been “perfect” in everything. But then, what was his problem?
None, apparently! His character became apparent only when his father overflowed with mercy for his younger brother upon welcoming him back home. What we see next is a paradox. The prodigal son is inside the house, and the prodigy son is outside the home, angry, dissatisfied and lost. The father, who had not gone out to get his youngest son, is now seen outside the house, trying to reconcile his family again. This picture illustrates the great love that God has for us and His patience in rescuing troubled children.
In the church, we have prodigals and prodigies. Prodigies rarely come to their senses. In their view, they have already been in the Father's house, “slaving” for years (v. 29) and, therefore, they deserve honors. However, just like the eldest son in the story, they only want the paternal treats: the ring, the clothes and the roasted calf.
Maybe you are that lost young man in church, bitter when you see celebrations taking place when sinners repent. However, know that it is better to be smelling like pigs in the arms of God than to remain fragrant in church but far from the Father. God wants to save you just as He also wants to save the prodigal sons! With one arm, the Lord embraces those who are far away, and with the other He embraces those who are close. Remember, whether in church or out, you and I are sinners who desperately need the grace of Christ, every day!