Introduction
Hello all. My name is Seth and this is your daily devotion. I presume you’re familiar with the parable of the prodigal son. It’s one of Jesus’ most iconic stories. We’re not talking about that son today. Instead, we’re going to take a closer look at the older brother, the one who obeyed and was close to his father….or was he?
Luke 15:25-28 “Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.’ “But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him. So he answered and said to his father, ‘Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends. But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.’
Which Son are You?
We’ll stop here as this chunk of scripture covers the entire lesson. The topic for today is obedience with entitlement. Do you have that one sibling that always seems to suck up to your parents, seemingly with the intent to gain preferential treatment? Perhaps instead it’s a co-worker, going the extra mile to show you up to the boss.
Regardless of the situation, you might feel like you have to compete to win favor. If you’re not the competitive type, you might feel frustrated as you watch that person bend over backwards and receive accolades while you’re ignored. You feel like you aren’t good enough, much like our prodigal friend.
God isn’t that kind of parent or boss, however. He’s the type to have love for all of His children and find value in all of His workers. He cares more for their well being than their achievements and unfortunately, people like the older brother simply can’t stand that.
They want attention, praise, glory. They want to be the favorite and they’re not afraid to remind their authority figures of everything the “competition” did wrong in order to maintain that status. Placing blame? Bringing up mistakes? Wait a minute. Doesn’t the Devil do that?
Clarifying the Son’s Sin
Let me clarify this before I continue. There is absolutely nothing wrong with trying your best and doing what is asked of you. The Bible encourages you to do these things. You’re not a suck up for doing what’s right. You’re a suck up if your heart’s in the wrong place.
If your obedience and servitude is coupled with the expectation to get something in return, you’ve got it all wrong and you’d better repent. God will not be manipulated. Let this be encouragement to you though. After the other son complained, his father reminded him that he already had his love and favor. Not because of his obedience, but because he was his son.
Conclusion/Prayer
If instead of being the prodigal, you’re the other son, don’t feel like you have to keep up the charade for God to love you. Take it from your younger brother. No matter how badly you mess up, God will love you anyway. Jesus made sure of that. Let’s pray on this.
Lord, we come to you, both as prodigals and as entitled suck ups, and ask for forgiveness. Let us never doubt your love and mercy. We couldn’t ask for a better father and superior. Let us never doubt that we have value to you and because of you. We ask this in Jesus name. Amen.
That’s all I’ve got for you. Go in peace.