The Elder Brother
2008
(Luke 15:11-32)


God would lavish His dear children with gifts, but so often we think we must appease Him with sacrifice and good works, while we overlook and underestimate what He has already given.
We will not take from His outstretched hand because we do not really trust Him. We trust ourselves.

The elder brother, in the parable of the prodigal son, is a sobering picture of what happens when God's children refuse to find satisfaction in what He has provided in His Son, and instead look for other ways to earn His favor. If our service to God could make us acceptable in His sight, then we would have no need for a Savior, for we would be endeavoring to save ourselves, by ourselves. Who does this glorify?

When is the last time you explored the riches that are in Christ Jesus? If you have been brought into union with Him through the saving grace of God, then all that He is became yours. "His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness." (2 Peter 1:3) Where do you go when you need what only your Heavenly Father can give? Do you get busy for Him or do you set yourself to draw upon what He has given to you in the person of His Son?

The prodigal son knew where to go, but the elder brother couldn't see what he already had. One knew the provision of His father would meet his humble need, while the other was busy looking at his own storehouse of self-provision. Which one made the Father to rejoice? The one who submitted himself to take what His father so graciously gave, knowing that he could never earn or repay such a gift.

If all you can find in God is a hard taskmaster that weighs your worth by what you can give to Him, then you have never seen Him as He is revealed in the gospel of His Son, Jesus Christ. For there you will find Him issuing forth an eternal supply that has yet to be discovered.