CELEBRATING GRACE

THE EMBITTERED BROTHER

Text: Gospel of Luke 15:25–32.

Now his older son was in the field, and when he came and drew near the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has got him back safe and sound’. 

“And he was angry and would not go in. So his father came out, and begged him. And in answer he said to his father: ‘Look, all these years I have slaved for you, and never disobeyed an order of yours. And yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But as soon as this son of yours comes, who has consumed your possessions with prostitutes, for him you killed the fattened calf!’ 

“And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. It was right for us to celebrate and be glad, for this brother of yours was dead, and is alive again, and was lost, and is found’”. 

Luke 15:25-32

Introduction

Truly if one looks at the prodigal son story, he had collected and squandered his inheritance. But we are talking about a soul here not material things.The elder brother represents religious pride.

Outward Obedience, Inward Bitterness (v.29)

“Lo, these many years do I serve thee.”

Service without intimacy produces resentment. The elder brother is serving his father for what he is to gain but there is no intimacy. So it is with many old believers when they see new members being active and useful in the church, they become uncomfortable and embittered.

He refuse to Celebrate Grace. He could not rejoice over repentance.

The Father’s Appeal (v.31)

“Son, thou art ever with me.”

The elder brother was also disconnected emotionally. God presence is more than material things, that should be what we should crave for.

In churches today, some long-time members struggle or discontented when new converts receive attention. 

Religious comparison can block compassion.

Conclusion

You can be in the Father’s house and still not understand the Father’s heart. This message reveals:

A Shepherd who searches for only one lost sheep while leaving other 99;

A Woman who sweeps- searching for one misplaced coin,

A Father who receives, and a Heaven that rejoices over one repentant sinner.

God seeks the wandering. God values the forgotten. God restores the broken hearted. God corrects the self-righteous.

ALTAR CALL:

Which character are you?

The wandering sheep?

The buried coin?

The rebellious son?

The resentful brother?

Today: Return to God and repent and heaven will rejoice over your life.

Heaven is ready to celebrate you.

-Kunle Rennaiye

SheepGate evangelical Ministry. Join us on our WhatsApp page: https://chat.whatsapp.com/BsioVIQmwKW4jX6n6PcKGm?mode=gi_t 

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