The Prodigal Son Pt. 2

In the story of the prodigal son we see clearly how, when fear enters into a relationship, the human heart will respond in one of two ways; namely rejection or rebellion.  The prodigal son manifested the fear of his own heart in rebellion.  For whatever reason (scripture does not say) he had enough of his father’s house and decided to leave.  The older brother, however, decided to stay at the house and help his dad.

When the younger brother came home from his life of sex and fun yet full of regret the father came out to tell the older brother; let’s listen to his heart of rejection:

“Listen!  For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends”

From this passage we can deduce a couple of things; first is the way that the older son viewed himself and second is how he viewed his father.  From his own mouth he exclaims how he has been “working like a slave” for his father.  The work that was being done was not a heart of love for his father but an orphaned heart seeking for some sort of affirmation (we will expound on this later).  He viewed himself as bending over backwards for a father who was hard to please.

If the son viewed himself as a slave then his father must assume the role of the slave master; one who is harsh and does not give gifts.  This is evidenced by the older brothers view of the father’s house- namely a house without celebrating.  When we perceive the father’s house as a celebrationless house our only option thereafter is an orphaned heart and feeling like a slave.  But when we see the father’s house as one of immense celebration where the hearts of his children are adored and nurtured, it is easy to run alongside the father to pick up the broken and hurting brothers who have sold themselves for lesser pleasures.

Do you see your Father in heaven celebrating over you?  Is the Father’s house a place where your very life is commemorated and deeply cherished?  Do you give the Father time each day to sing over you and wash you?  I encourage you today- accept the place of honor that He has given you at His table and dine with Him.  Don’t only let Him celebrate your existence but also join in and participate in the celebration over your life; this is as simple as agreeing with His thoughts and feelings toward you.  Even Paul had to be “persuaded” by the love of God (Romans 8:38-39); what makes us think that we will “get it” all of a sudden?  Take time today and everyday to let Him adore you.  Then we will begin to believe the words that the Father said to the older brother are true for us:  “My son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.” God Bless.