The Right Perspective
“Now, the older son was out working in the field when his brother returned, and as he approached the house, he heard the music of celebration and dancing. He called over one of the servants and asked, ‘What’s going on?’ “The servant replied, ‘It’s your younger brother. He’s returned home and your father is throwing a party to celebrate his homecoming.’ “The older son became angry and refused to go in and celebrate. So his father came out and pleaded with him, ‘Come and enjoy the feast with us!’ “The son said, ‘Father, listen! How many years have I worked like a slave for you, performing every duty you’ve asked as a faithful son? And I’ve never once disobeyed you. But you’ve never thrown a party for me because of my faithfulness. Never once have you even given me a goat that I could feast on and celebrate with my friends as this son of yours is doing now. Look at him! He comes back after wasting your wealth on prostitutes and reckless living, and here you are throwing a great feast to celebrate—for him!’ “The father said, ‘My son, you are always with me by my side. Everything I have is yours to enjoy.” Luke 15:25
The older son represents so many who are caught in the trap of American Christianity. Let’s look at the older son’s thinking and how he sees the father and his inheritance. This part of the story starts with the older son coming in from working in the field and he realizes his younger brother, who he thought was dishonorable and lost all morality had come home from his wasteful living. When he found out the father was throwing him a party, he became very angry. Why in the world would you be angry about your brother returning home? Could it be because he didn’t see himself correctly? He sees himself as one who has been faithful to his father. He had served him all these years without ever leaving his house. He feels betrayed by the father. We know this by his response to his father. How many years have I been working like a slave for you, performing every duty you’ve asked faithfully and never have you thrown me a party! First, he sees himself as only a slave doing the work in the field. How many of us have seen ourselves as the same way? We worked the fields to win souls and make disciples, we’re spreading a “gospel” our own lives never displayed while sacrificing our families (mostly children) on the altar of ministry vying for leadership’s attention against our own brothers/sisters in the house.
You can be in the house of God; you can “serve” Jesus for all the years and never actually know the Father. This son never knew how much he was actually loved by the father. He didn’t have to ask for his inheritance. He didn’t have to ask for a fatted calf. It was already his. He already had access to his inheritance. Yet, he lived as a slave in the house. This is what the American church as taught people for decades and we have lost sight of the true nature of Abba, Father. We get the inheritance right up front as Beloved Sons & Daughters.
So many go to church every time the doors open and serve in every capacity available but live their day to day in complete brokenness because they do not see the Father correctly nor do they see themselves as He does.
If you find yourself as the older son, serving Jesus yet broken and hurt, not knowing how deeply you are really loved I encourage you to stare into the eyes of Jesus until the reality of His love captivates your heart. You must know the Father loves you with the same love as He loves Jesus. You are not a servant; You are beloved!
For the very glory you have given to me I have given them so that they will be joined together as one and experience the same unity that we enjoy. You live fully in me and now I live fully in them so that they will experience perfect unity, and the world will be convinced that you have sent me, for they will see that you love each one of them with the same passionate love that you have for me. John 17:22
