Daily Devotional for Sunday, March 29

The Reminder

“Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found,” Luke 15:31, 32.

There are videos or reels in circulation of a man who portrays the differences between the oldest child, the middle child and the youngest. He acts out their typical reactions to certain situations. Having three boys, we laugh because the man is spot-on! We see those characteristics daily.

In this parable, the older son is a typical firstborn. He works hard and has accepted his familial responsibility. He stood by his father as his brother disrespectfully abandoned them. We could say, abandoned him. He was left to bear the burden of his father’s care and the upkeep of the estate alone. Let us not forget he had already received his inheritance as well. Luke 15:12 said the father divided his estate between them. However, as the oldest, his portion was greater—by Jewish Law and as the one who remained. He is still living on and working his portion. He received an inheritance and life continued as before. He was really in a good spot, honestly.

When his prodigal brother returned, he was indignant. He and his father had been betrayed and now his brother wanted to come back into the goodness again? His anger is understandable.

The overjoyed father reminded his eldest that everything he has is his. The father, because he already divided his estate, only has his two boys left, and he lost one of them for a time. Wealth does not matter. His son was dead to him but has returned alive! This is a reunion. His brother’s grudge needs to give way to celebration.

THOUGHT

In similar times, do we rejoice or hold a grudge?

Kelli Reynolds