A Tale of Two Brothers

Luke 15- 11-32-- "The Prodigal Son"  or as I think of it "Tale of Two Brothers".  The part of the story of the younger brother seems so true.

I want to be that brother.

I want the story of  rebellion, repentance, and redemption. That is a noble story-- A story of the gift of grace -- beautiful unmerited favor. A dramatic story with a loving resolution. An underdog that gets the win.

Thinking about the younger brother presumes he is the focus of Christ's parable. As if Jesus was saying : Don't be like this. Don't demand blessings and squander them. Don't leave the father's side or you will be lost.  But maybe he isn't the focus of the parable. Maybe it is the hardened heart of the older brother.

I am the older brother. My easy cautious life makes outward rebellion impractical if not ridiculous. But a heart's rebellion? A heart's unwillingness to forgive whom God forgives? Love whom God Loves? That is my rebellion. My heart is wallowing in the mud spiritually with nothing but the pigs food.

Both brothers wanted riches and inheritance.

The younger brother was just honest about it and was unwilling to wait.

The older brother still wanted the inheritance but was willing to wait it out and check all the boxes. Stayed home- check. Worked hard every day -- check. Followed the law -- check. Followed the rules-- check.  Got the approval --check. Did everything right--check. Get the land/wealth/family name in the end--check.

And that is what I am after isn't it? Not Grace. Not Mercy. Not Love. Not if those things are going to also be given to those I don't feel deserve it. I want God to reward inheritance the way I see fit-- as if those mighty gifts were mine to distribute in the first place.
I want to check off a box and get the prize so I can then judge those who don't. Because then I'll be right. Then I'll be good.

Thank you Mighty GOD, your ways are not my ways.


Oh my Father--
Let me do nothing that is "right" becuase it is right, but becuase it reflects your righteousness.

Let me do nothing that is "good" because it is good, but because it is your will acted out in the world... a way to bring The Kingdom at hand.

Let me do all things with the same Mercy and Grace you freely give me.

Let me see the embrace of your open arms, knowing you have been here all along.