Luke 15:32

We had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.

The older, more responsible and much more sensible, brother is upset. He may be afraid that his partying with the younger one will make it look like he condones his sibling's earlier raunchy behavior. He may be worried about his reputation too. He must be wondering, "What will my colleagues and my co-workers think if I join in a celebration of my brother's return? This could be bad for business."

We refer to this story as the Parable of the Prodigal Son. It might be better named the Parable of the Grace-Filled Dad. However, I think we ought to call it the Parable of the Fear-Filled Older Brother. He is so afraid of losing his reputation and honor and respect that he misses the very fact that God is more than willing to welcome ALL of us, even arrogant older brothers, to the Party of all Parties!

As the oldest sibling of four I am all too aware of this tendency.

The party has started. Let's join it!

Prayer:  Grace-filled God, Help us to receive the mercy you give and to see that all of us, no matter what we might think of ourselves, are in need of this free gift. AMEN.