March 18, 2007 At Saint Mark Church in Norman, OK
Joshua 5: 9-12 + Psalm 34 + 2 Corinthians 5: 17-21 + Luke 15:1-31
It is both a story of sibling rivalry and inheritance lost. It is a story of apparent ungratefully dismissed and costly love. Biblical stories of fighting brothers are nothing new: Cane and Able; Ishmael and Isaac; Jacob and Esau are all stories of brothers in conflict and the younger one coming out ahead contrary to the way things should be in that culture and society. The opening story of the Old Testament is one of inheritance lost, and that sets the theme for all the rest…..”the last shall be first…..”
This parent’s story is twice burdened by ungrateful children. This father doesn’t have just one ungrateful son, he has two! When the suggestion comes up to split up the inheritance, the one who stays home does not seem to object to his younger brother’s scheme. He says nothing in protest/ He seems quite content to take his share early as well! Right in the middle of this conflict stands the father whose love seems to be endless. All he wants is Joy, and it’s in short supply in this story.
Weaving its way through the episodes, there is this sense of joylessness. What spoils the joy, and ruins the day is resentment in the face of gratitude and grace. The older son thinks he is privileged. He talks of rewards and claims the high ground with his self-congratulating attitude.
Resentment is built on comparison and perceived inequality. The older brother evaluates himself in relation to his younger brother and, not surprisingly, comes off favorably. He states the facts accurately: He has obeyed, his brother has not He has stayed home and worked, his brother squandered everything.
The game of merit does not have God as a player.
Grace does not go to those who deserve it.
Grace goes to those who can receive it.
The young son had emptied himself – everything was gone. The older son was far from empty. He was full of himself, his deeds, his skills, and now with his resentment. He is without Joy and so is everyone else.
We work for reward, and the in the presence of God’s abundance,
we find ourselves resentful and envious. This keeps us from joy. When we break loose from the poison of privilege and stand firm in the face of grace; when we cease to measure our worth and expect reward by comparing ourselves with another, we will have come face to face with grace and in its presence, we will see God who loves us all and would call us all His children.
That day of grace will be the beginning of gratitude, and thanksgiving will be all we think of. On that day, we shall hear the music in the house,
and we shall know that we are home.