Our current series in Sunday school is about the prodigal son. I suppose this is something I have recognized before, but this past week, it really hit me square between the eyes. I am the older son. I am, by nature, a rule follower. I just do as I am told - what is expected of me. I don't really have a rebellious nature. Because of that, I have a hard time understanding those who do.
When we were going through the lesson on Sunday, I found myself empathizing with the older son. He didn't get a party for being the good son. If you notice, he didn't even get a personal invitation to the party that did get thrown. He came in from the fields and found the party happening, and he was unhappy. I am not saying he was right. I am saying that I can relate.
That all said, I also recognize that this makes me like the Pharisees. Not a good thing, I know. Jesus had some really harsh words for them. They were not a picture of grace. When you think about it, obviously the father represents God and his loving, gracious manner. The older son (obviously the Pharisees) represents a glaring lack of grace. There is the supernatural side and the humanity. To be more like God, there has to be grace. A big something for me to work on.
1 comment:
So what you're saying is that you feel like the good son and were jealous when your sisters acted good for a change and your parents celebrated but you acted good all the time and they just expected it? Makes perfect sense!!
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