Two Sons - One Love

25 "Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. 27 He replied, 'Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.'" (Luke 15:25-27)

When we read Jesus' story of the "prodigal" son we often only look at the younger son who asked for his inheritance and left home for what he hoped would be the good life. We vilify him as immoral, ungrateful, and foolish. He may, indeed, have been all of these things. But we like to feel sorry for and identify with the elder son who feels forgotten and taken for granted while forgetting that he's unmerciful, and possibly vindictive.

When we see people in our lives making choices we don't agree with we often behave like the elder son, wanting them to reap the punishment their actions deserve. But we are all the younger son sometimes and we long to find comfort rather than condemnation in the Father's arms. The good news is that the Father extended love and grace to both sons, though Jesus didn't tell if the older son accepted.

May we gratefully accept the grace God offers, and may we extend to others the mercy and compassion we long to receive.

2 Blessed is the one

whose sin the Lord does not count against them

and in whose spirit is no deceit.

5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you

and did not cover up my iniquity.

I said, “I will confess

my transgressions to the Lord.”

And you forgave

the guilt of my sin.

6 Therefore let all the faithful pray to you

while you may be found;