One day, as I read Tim Keller’s book “The Prodigal God,” I was startled by a devastating revelation.😨
You see, we all know the “Prodigal Son” story. A man has two sons- a typical filial firstborn, and an irresponsible spendthrift younger son who squanders away his inheritance.
But when this young scoundrel of a brother repents, returns home, and the father throws a family feast and throws a robe over him, it is the older brother that reveals his true colors when he complains- “Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!” (Luke 15:29)
I read the book, blinking tears back at my own exposed, begrudging compliance to God— haven’t I thought before that my own painful sacrifices should merit God’s love and favor? Haven’t I asked Him before, “Why am I suffering while the wicked flourish?”
I was, am the older brother in many ways.
Friend, are you, like me, the older brother too? Do you, like me, sometimes serve God in His house and yet struggle with resentment and an “I-deserve-better” attitude?
The true “prodigal son” in this story is not just the younger brother, but the older. While the younger strayed publicly, the older had strayed in his heart long ago.
It was only recently, upon discovering this uncomfortable truth that I cried to God to change my heart. It was then that I had a deep revelation, if I can change every “I have to,” “I don’t get to,” and “I can’t” into “I GET TO,” it becomes a valiant cry against resentment as I rejoice with gratitude at a truly PRODIGAL GOD.
Because the real root meaning of “prodigal” actually isn’t “wayward,” it means “recklessly spendthrift,” “to spend till you have nothing left.” If we can trust that we serve a truly PRODIGAL GOD, one who gave His everything for our sakes, we can ditch our “prodigal heart,” once and for all.
We can stop feeling like He owes us. Because He gave everything to us, already.
Inspired by “THE PRODIGAL GOD” by @timkellernyc 💛