The Prodigal Son

Luke 15:11-32

I’m a rule follower. I’m somewhat of a perfectionist, I thrive on words of affirmation, and it should come as no surprise that I’m also an oldest child. I have two younger brothers, and one decided several years ago that he would go his own way. There are reasons for his subsequent silence--some I know and some I don’t--but I’m sure of this: the repercussions of his choice have affected the rest of us in a big way.

I’ve run a gamut of emotions since the original break in relationship was made. It started with disbelief and moved on to sadness, grief, bitterness, indignation, and straight up rage. All the while I was carrying on with my life, caring for my husband and children, doing my best to manage the emotions of my other brother and our mom, and in general feeling like I was left to pick up the pieces of a mess I didn’t make.

You can imagine which brother I identify with most in the parable of the prodigal son!  So, older brother: consider yourself SEEN. 

It’s hard to be the one left behind to pick up the pieces of a wayward family member, especially for us rule-following older children. Big brother went about the business of work and caring for his father after little bro took off, and it left him in some kind of mood. He was “angry and refused to go in” (v28) when his father threw a party upon the younger son’s return instead of joining in the celebration.

While I can certainly empathize with the older brother, he was just as lost as his younger sibling had been. He listened to the voices of duty, practicality, responsibility, and indignation more than the voice of a loving, forgiving Father.

Parents always have eyes out for their kids, be it on the playground, a sports field or court, watching for them to pull into the driveway, or waiting for the next text or phone call. How much more does the Father have eyes out for us? Let’s be more like Him: always on the lookout for those who are making their way back home to the family of God and ready to celebrate their return. 

Eventually I came to a place of acceptance where my brother was concerned. Someday he’ll make his way back to us, and our mom will see him coming from miles away. I believe this because my mom believes it, but also because I know God is always in the business of mending what’s broken. Are you suffering any broken relationships right now? Take a minute to pray for reconciliation.