‘All these years I’ve slaved for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to … Yet when this son of yours comes back after squandering your money on prostitutes, you celebrate by killing the fattened calf!’ (Lk. 15:29-30)

 The older son in the Parable of the Prodigal Son was the obedient and trusted one of the two sons of the father. He never said no to his father and always did what the father asked of him. His father loved him and was willing to give him anything he asked for; yet, he never did. He was not the party type, so he did not ask his father for provision to get together with his friends for some fun. Rather, he concentrated on taking care of the father’s business and to please him.

His younger brother, on the other hand, loved the light side of life. He indulged much in the world around him and yearned to explore the far country also. He asked for his share of the father’s estate and left town with a prosperous expectation. Life, however, showed him its ugly side and quickly sank him to a regrettable base. He came back to his senses, though, and ran back into the waiting arms of his forgiving father.

The celebration began, but big brother hated it. He went livid and refused to go home. He poured his hatred and anger on his pleading father.

‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ (Lk.15:29-10).

To him, his obedience had all been a waste of time. His protest revealed the secret yearning for recognition and a deep hatred for his younger brother’s life and return. He couldn’t share the father’s joy when he had not been honored with the least of that. Graciously, the old man showed him how much He cared and appreciated him and asked him to rejoice for his brother’s return to real life (vv.31-32). I observe three quick lessons.

For our obedience, our Father in heaven has made us heirs of His estate to inherit and rule with Jesus (31, Rm. 8:17).  When Christ appears, you will receive the crown of righteousness for eternity (2 Tim. 4.8). So, “do not throw away your confidence. It will be richly rewarded” (Heb. 10:35).

Our surrendered life and service to God in Christ should never be considered as slavery. God in not a taskmaster! He is our loving Father who has privileged us with grace to participate in His Kingdom’s agenda with lasting rewards. So, keep your head clear and enjoy your obedient living for His glory (1 Cor. 10:31).

Finally, rejoicing for the salvation of one dead and lost soul is a sign of maturity and greater understanding of God’s grand agenda. So, throw away all bitterness, hatred, and jealousy, and run the race marked before you with perseverance (Heb. 12:1). Join the angels of God to celebrate the salvation of one lost soul (Lk. 15:10).