Mercy

25 “Now his older son was in the field, and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 “And he summoned one of the servants and began inquiring what these things could be. 27 “And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has received him back safe and sound.’ 28 “But he became angry and was not willing to go in; and his father came out and began pleading with him. 29 “But he answered and said to his father, ‘Look! For so many years I have been serving you and I have never neglected a command of yours; and yet you have never given me a young goat, so that I might celebrate with my friends; 30 but when this son of yours came, who has devoured your wealth with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him.’ 31 “And he said to him, ‘Son, you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 ‘But we had to celebrate and rejoice, for this brother of yours was dead and has begun to live, and was lost and has been found.’ “– Luke 15:25-32

We read the Parable of the Prodigal Son understanding how each of us, in our own way, are the younger son. We take without gratitude and we waste without thought. And it is only when we are at our lowest point and realize that we can’t live without God that we return to Him. And God is there to joyfully receive us.

If the story were only about the younger son, it would be challenging enough for us. But what about the older son? He refuses to celebrate when his younger brother returns and is even angry about the father’s lavish love. He is especially troubling.

It is easy to dismiss the older son by saying that he symbolizes the Pharisees and their hard-hearted attitude toward repentant sinners. But is the older son us?

How often do we want mercy for ourselves but justice for others? How often do we stand in judgement and think that God’s forgiveness is not available to some people, like rapists, murderers and war criminals? Can God really love and forgive them? And when God does forgive them, will we stand outside refusing to join the celebration?

Prayer:
• Are you like the younger son, looking for forgiveness and love after going your own way? In
your heart, are you also like the older son, annoyed that God is too free with His
forgiveness?

• Pray that God will help us to see even the worst of sinners through His eyes.