Why Not Me?

That was Him

The story of the Prodigal Son is mentioned frequently to the church. We are told the youngest son approached his father and asked for his inheritance. He wanted an advance on his blessing. He then took it and blew it on careless living. He went to places he should not have gone. He did things he should not have done. He connected with people he should not have dealt with. He did all of this to come to a point of being destitute. Those he connected with left him. The things he did couldn’t keep him. The places he went were no longer available to him. He was reduced to the position of servant and still found himself in want. Then he remembered his father’s servants. He remembered how they lived and decided he wanted to be one of them.

Reception

His father was found to be waiting for him. The young son left with his family and loved ones in his rear view. His father always kept him in his frontal view. This shows that he never stopped thinking about him or longing for his return. Although he left with the intention of being wasteful, he was still welcome to return. His place was never filled. The love his father had for him was never given to another. The father had reserved a place in his house for the return of that he had lost. Material things can always be replaced but the love God has for us can never be lost to another. The father longed for his return and waited with anticipation and patience.

What about Me

The father received the lost son with open arms. Although the son was expecting to receive the position of a servant the father restored him as a son. There was great celebration as the whole house was encouraged to rejoice at the prodigal’s return. The father had an elder son who was not as excited about his younger brother’s return. He stated that he has been there all of this time and has not disobeyed the father’s commands. Was he justified in his response to his brother’s return? After all the brother did take the father’s wealth and just throw it away aimlessly. He didn’t consider the amount of effort his father had to put forth or the labor involved in the accumulation of that wealth. Was that the only reason he was upset? He thought he should have been celebrated for not having done the same things his brother had done. Despite his brother’s return he wanted to be celebrated for not leaving. He’s been there and felt that should matter more.

The Welfare of Others

The elder son was obedient. He was committed to the father’s vision. He labored earnestly without wanting to leave. He felt he was being overlooked when his brother was celebrated. He felt pushed aside. He felt that his labor didn’t matter. He had no concern for his brother’s welfare. The elder son was considering himself above his brother. It was all about him. He felt this would be a good time to tell everyone how faithful he has been. He wanted the recognition of being the son that did no wrong. He was actually filled with pride. Just as the younger son learned his lesson while out in the world the elder son learned his lesson from his younger brother's return. The father reminded him that he knew he was there and he was not cut off from all that the house could provide for him. This was a time of rejoicing. Don’t let the return of the lost cause you to miss the opportunity to praise God at their return. Celebrate the lives of others and pray that they come in from the world.