Does it irritate you when you’ve done everything you should and no one thanks you? But yet someone who has a history of doing everything wrong gets one thing right, and then everyone can’t stop talking about it?
Maybe you, like me, can relate to the other brother.
In Luke 15 we read about the prodigal son. He was selfish, heartless, and arrogant. He demanded his half of his father’s estate, left town, and squandered it.
Meanwhile, the other brother, diligently worked his father’s land, managed his father’s business, and did all that was expected of him.
Almost.
When the prodigal returned, he refused to rejoice that his brother was back. Instead, he decided it was high time to assert himself. When questioned by his father he replied, “Look, I have been slaving many years for you, and I have never disobeyed your orders, yet you never gave me a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your assets with prostitutes, you slaughtered the fattened calf for him.” (Luke 15:29-30 HCSB)
As a fellow human, I get his position. It’s not fair! It’s like I’m expected to just do everything right, continuously share the wealth but not the work. Why are we celebrating his return? What will he get away with next?
But the father loves his sons equally. He sees both of their hearts. He understands the repentance of the prodigal and the frustration of his other son.
His reply: “Son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is now found.” Luke 15: 31 (HCSB)
This parable addresses salvation. No matter how we live our lives, we each have a choice up until the day we die. If we repent and accept Christ as a child or at an older age, like 89, each receives the gift of eternal life in heaven. Good news for the late comers!
It still might seem unfair until we consider what we as Christians receive. Every one of us is an heir with Christ, (Romans 8:17). We share in his sufferings, and in his glory. We did nothing to deserve glory at all- Christ lived the sinless life, not one of us has. Yet we get to share in His glory. We are heirs with Christ.
In my mind, Christ would have every right to complain to God, It’s not fair! Of course, He doesn’t do that. He just wants us reunited with our Father.
But you and I know there are certainly benefits to coming to God earlier with a repentant heart. Deuteronomy Chapters 28 and 30 outline the blessings of obedience and the certain punishment disobedience brings to our earthly lives.
Living a life with Christ and with the aid of the Holy Spirit brings blessings and an abundant life that disobedience won’t garner. And that peace we are gifted when we are in Him… we know life’s challenges are unbearable without it.
The prodigal knew what life was like without the protection of his father- he was reduced to living life alone. He had to scramble to work, ending the day hungry, lonely and emotionally empty.
Those who come to Christ later in life usually mourn the “wasted time” earlier in their days..
If you, like me, might need a reminder to not get frustrated with others, and to freely forgive when their disobedience has caused us great pain; let’s work at recalling the great pain our disobedience has caused Christ. He went to the cross so we might be reunited with our Heavenly Father. He didn’t have to. In fact, He was the sinless one. Yet He did it to offer us a chance to know God and know His love, both here on earth, and forever.
Maybe you, like me, need reminded: it’s not all about me and what is fair. Because what Jesus was called to do was certainly not fair. Yet, I’m so glad He did it. Because if He hadn’t, no one would be able to come to God.
Do you, like me, need a little heart repair, like the other brother? Let’s ask God for the help to do just that.
Prayer: Dear Lord, You know the state of my heart. There are too many times when I feel infringed upon. When, it’s just not fair!
Yet, when I consider what Jesus did to reunite me to You, my complaints are shallow. Please change my heart. Help me see with Your eyes, the big picture of the end goal: that each of Your children returns to You. The timing isn’t mine to control. But my attitude and witness are. Help me to love and not worry about my own inheritance with You. I thank You for making me an heir with Jesus- something I certainly didn’t deserve. Help me to carry others to You for the same. In Jesus’s name, Amen.