THE ELDER BROTHER

“But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him. So he answered and said to his father, ‘Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat that I might make merry with my friends. But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots; you killed the fatted calf for him.’  “And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. (Luke 15:28-31 NKJV)

 Of the two, I think the prodigal attracts more interest and affection than his elder brother. Esau seems a more attractive character than Jacob; the publican more than the Pharisee, who rejoices that he is not as others! Probably it is because we are conscious of a closer similarity, to the life of sense and passion, than to that of outward etiquette and respectability.

The elder son had a goodly heritage. He had his father's companionship in all the changing seasons of the year, and all the following years of his life; he had the comfortable assurance that he had never at any time transgressed the commands and directions which his father gave, so that he was saved from the inward cancer of bitter remorse; he was at liberty to help himself, not only to a share of all that his father possessed, but to it all--all that I have is yours.

This is our heritage also, as the sons and daughters of the Lord God Almighty. We may live always in the presence and with the companionship of God, talking over with Him all that concerns our lives and His work; we, too, are at liberty to draw on His vast resources, for whatever we require, since all that He has is ours in Christ, to be claimed by constant faith.

How loveless and selfish was the spirit of the eider brother! He was jealous of the welcome accorded to the prodigal and complained that so much should be lavished on one whose conduct had been so great a contrast to his own. His selfish spirit alienated him from his father, who had to go out and plead with him to come in, for selfishness always isolates. The spirit which magnifies itself for its own virtues is not the spirit of true religion, however correct the exterior life may be.

Let's each ask ourselves: Can God our Father address us in such words as these? Can we be regarded with His grace and heavenly benediction, the sons of God without rebuke? If not, we are really as much prodigals as our brethren, for we are throwing away opportunities which angels covet. Let's arise and come back to our Father. Let's enter into His joy; let His joy enter our hearts, that we may make merry and be glad.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, I have sinned, bring me back again into the old blessed companionship and fellowship, that I may live with You on earth, until You call me to live with You in Heaven. In Jesus' name I pray this, AMEN.

God's Daily Promise

Promise #353:
I will provide what you need every day.

Matthew 6:11 (WEB)
Give us today our daily bread.