HEY, BROTHER

• DAY 349
• FEAR FILE: BROTHER OF PRODIGAL SON
• SCRIPTURES: LUKE 15:25-32

“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.’ “And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.’

For every prodigal that returns there is most likely an older brother. The perfect son who never strays and spent his whole life trying to make Daddy proud. The faithful one that never wavered in their faith, never squandered his gifts on riotous living, he has been in the house of God since his youth. And often they do not understand how the prodigal son can get a feast after such a messed up life.

There are a lot of older brothers in the church today. They feel like they should get more favour for longevity and as a firstborn, I do not blame them. Parents treat the older ones harshly and the lastborns are allowed to get away with stuff we would have been killed for. It hurts. Why do they get all the chances, why do they get all the love? 

They have had countless abortions, lied, cheated people, have tattoos, and drug problems, slept with women, and insulted people of faith online. Yet they get to have a mega church, the perfect husband, a good wife, and 3 kids. Yet you are struggling with a small church in the village, and still believing for a husband and kids and you didn’t do half what they did. Why do they get the party and you get nothing? That is what the prodigal son’s brother thought too. 

What he forgot was that he too was seen. His Father knew that he was faithful and he had been with Him. Although he did not have a party, he still had all the blessings and approval of the Father. He didn’t love him any less. The amazing thing is that the father didn’t judge him, he went to plead with him. God does not toss the old out while celebrating the new or returned. He loves us all the same.

The Father is saying to all older brothers, “I see you.” You don’t need to be upset or jealous, I am not treating you unfairly but rejoice with your brother who was dead. Don’t stop being faithful. Your prize cannot be taken by anyone. Keep being a good and faithful servant, in the end, you will have everything that is yours.

If you are feeling angry right now, ask the Lord to heal your heart and help you stay faithful. 

Shalom.