Davey, Jr has been so busy that he has missed out on all the power, joy, peace, security, and love that was available to him, simply because he didn't claim it! How insane is that!
How often do we get so caught up in doing things exactly right and making sure the future is secure for those we love, that we forget to enjoy the people.
“It’s my party, so come join me!”
It is easy to miss what the father is really saying in verse 32. But if we look back at the original Greek, it's much clearer.
What the father was actually saying was “Son, you and I HAVE to celebrate.” He was saying, “It’s not your younger brother’s party, it’s MY party. I’m the one who’s celebrating because my son was dead and he’s alive. So you MUST join me, not for your brother’s sake, but for MY sake!” The party was not for the Prodigal son it was for the loving father.
That’s the point of tall three of these parables in Luke 15. They are about celebration over lost things being found.
The Shepherd found the lamb. The woman found the coin. The dad found and forgave his wayward son.
So, how does the story end? We’re left hanging. Does the older brother spit and stomp off into the fields and continue to nurse his bitterness and pride? Or does he uncross his arms and allow his dad to put his arms around his shoulders and they walk into the house together and celebrate the lost son’s return?
I think it is left open-ended on purpose. We have to figure out what we are going to do. It’s up to us. What will we choose do?
The door is open and the Father says, check your bitter, complaining spirit at the door and come on in–enjoy the party.
[continued...]
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