The Two Sons

The Two Sons

Jean Bundas

My Son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. (Luke 15:31 NIV)

I just can’t seem to get the story of the prodigal son off my heart lately. I sense that there is so much there that God desires to speak to His church.

The first thing that stands out to me is the story that we have all heard preached so often; a story of forgiveness and restoration. The youngest son grows weary of life and asks his father for his portion of the inheritance. The father grants his request and the son takes off and squanders it all away. The son finds himself in dire circumstances and reality hits, “Even his father’s servants have it better than he does.” The son returns home and repents, thinking that perhaps his father will allow him to stay on as servant.

Now, this is the awesome part…

The father doesn’t just accept his youngest home, but he calls for sandals to be placed upon his son’s feet, a robe about his shoulders, and a ring upon his finger. The father restores his son to full status and authority. The father does not require that his son prove himself, or work his way back up the ranks, but the son is forgiven and restored.

Redemption.

The story doesn’t stop there though, it goes on to speak of the reaction of the oldest son. Verse 28 of Luke 15 tells us, “The older brother became angry and refused to go in.”

I hear the Lord saying, “How many in my church are missing out because they are angry and refuse to go in?”

The older brother felt betrayed. He was jealous and angry. He had worked diligently, followed orders, and had been faithful for all those years, and yet someone else was getting the party.

When the father heard what the oldest son said, he responded with this (verse 31), “My son, you are always with me, and EVERYTHING I have is yours.”

Sonship.

Wow! Our heavenly Father has made all that He has available to us, and yet, so many fail to see it because we are stuck in that angry and jealous place.

What is God speaking to you today? Do you see yourself as that prodigal who has returned home, but is still punishing yourself for your wrong doing?

Know that God has restored you, walk in that redemption.

Do you see yourself as that oldest brother; jealous of those who seem to have grace and favor?

Know that all God has is yours, you are His son or daughter. Accept His sonship and walk in that authority.

Heavenly Father, Your love is beyond our comprehension. Thank You for Your grace and forgiveness. Help us to forgive, as You have so graciously forgiven us and to celebrate life instead of mourning that which we feel we have missed out on. Open our eyes to see ourselves as You see us. Amen

Perhaps God is speaking something additional to your heart regarding this story, I would love to hear your thoughts!